We all know that eating chocolate is good for our feel-good factor or even our soul, but now new research also shows that eating chocolate CAN be beneficial for our health, both physical and mental. Chocolate has many different compounds and some of them are actually beneficial for us, not just in taste.

What are some of the benefits to us in chocolate compounds?

* Dark chocolate – helps fight inflammation

*Brain and nervous system protection, and may actually help prolong your life thanks to a compound called resveratrol

*Cellular repair thanks to chocolate that contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent something called free radicals.

*The natural polyphenols in cocoa actually increase levels of the ‘good’ cholesterol, while at the same time lowering the bad variety – a win-win situation!

Are you one of those people who feels good after biting into a chocolate bar, or do you refer to yourself as a ‘chocoholic’? Well, there could be a reason for being like this and for these feelings to occur. These feelings are due to a certain chemical:

The chemical reason is called anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression. Anandamide apparently gives a similar high to marijuana, but not the strong “high” associated with it. We all know that many of you turn to chocolate whenever life is a little hard, but this chemical is probably what makes us feel better! There is also another chemical in it that makes this feeling last even longer.

Chocolate for energy? We all know that chocolate contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can help increase physical energy and alertness… and caffeine isn’t always necessarily a bad thing, as we’ve seen it heavily advertised in the news. Theobromine is another natural stimulant that also helps with physical and mental energy. These two chemicals working together have been shown to improve blood pressure!

healthy chocolate vs. bad chocolate:

There’s a lot of debate on this topic, but I’ll give you the basics of what to look for to help optimize these beneficial properties contained in the chocolate you eat:

– dark chocolate is better

– high cocoa content

– organic chocolate bars

– the less sugar, the better – sugar destroys our immune system

– natural is best: nothing artificial – this includes sweeteners, flavors and certain preservatives

– beware of chocolate with genetically modified ingredients

Remember, as with everything, moderation is the key here. Almost everything we eat in moderation has benefits for our body. I’m just saying, yes, chocolate has a lot of health benefits, but that doesn’t mean going and eating 3 bars every day! The best recommended amount I’ve found is from http://www.mercola.com/ and it states ‘6.7 grams a day (or a small square of chocolate two to three times a week) – which provides the best benefits. to health. While it’s certainly a pleasant surprise that chocolate is actually good for you, eating the right amount is crucial if you want it to be a benefit rather than a detriment. This is well written information and I love the final part: Let the chocolate be a benefit and not a disadvantage.

Enjoy your chocolate!

Interested in weight loss? Check out my top 10 nutrition facts for a six pack or a flat/toned stomach for women here…and combine it with my top 10 exercise tips for the best results!