10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Dark Chocolate

Chocolate - it can be traced back to 1500BC. The Aztec and Maya civilizations used cocoa beans, and Columbus brought cocoa beans to Spain. From there is spread throughout Europe. The first chocolate bar dates to 1874. Today we enjoy a wide selection of chocolate bars and you no longer have to feel guilty because you love to eat chocolate. Dark chocolate has many benefits. Let's look at 10 reasons why you should eat dark chocolate.

1. Dark chocolate lowers your blood pressure: Studies have shown that eating of dark chocolate dilates blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure. It also contains magnesium, copper, and minerals that help to keep your blood pressure normal and your heartbeat regular.

2. Dark chocolate contains resveratrol: In recent times, there has been a great deal of discussion over the benefits of resveratrol, which is associated with weight loss, longevity, anti cancer properties, and younger skin.

3. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants: Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids, which are packed with antioxidants that protect your body from disease and damage to your cells.

4. Dark chocolate will lower your cholesterol: Moderately consuming dark chocolate can lead to a reduction of cholesterol (the bad kind) by as much as 10%.

5. Dark chocolate makes you feel full: It can make you feel fuller for longer periods than milk chocolate, and it can suppress cravings for salty, fatty, and sweet foods.

6. Dark chocolate good for blood circulation: The consumption of dark chocolate helps to improve blood circulation and prevents the buildup of plaque on the arteries. As a result, it has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease.

7. Dark chocolate has anti-inflammatory qualities: These anti-inflammatory qualities can help to keep your heart healthy, and reduce other inflammation in the body.

8. Dark chocolate is good for the brain: When you eat dark chocolate, you increase the blood flow to your brain and this increases cognitive function. Dark chocolate is packed with theobromine and it also contains caffeine, which will stimulate your brain.

9. Dark chocolate can make you happy: Since dark chocolate is packed with endorphins it can make you feel relaxed, and happy. It contains serotonin so it can help with mild depression.

10. Dark chocolate is an immune booster: There are two flavonoids in dark chocolate - epicatechins and catechins, which are immune boosters. Research has shown that dark chocolate may help chronic conditions such as arthritis.

There you have it - 10 great reasons why you should eat dark chocolate, and let's not forget how great it tastes. What more can we ask for? While we've touched on 10 great reasons to eat dark chocolate there are plenty of others. So no longer should you feel guilty when you give into your chocolate craving just as long as you opt for dark chocolate you can enjoy the health benefits while tantalizing your taste buds. No longer should you think of chocolate as a guilty pleasure. Think of it as a pleasure with benefits. So what are you waiting for?