I’ll admit it – I love chocolate! There’s something about the taste and texture that makes the perfect treat, and like most people I was thrilled when I found out that chocolate actually; has some pretty impressive health benefits. Today, I’d like to share some of the most popular health benefits of chocolate with you that I’ve found, and inspire you to use this sweet treat as a way to de-stress detox, and power up whenever you need it most. For moms, this has to be one of the best snacks ever!
Heart Smart
It turns out that real chocolate that hasn’t been loaded with sugar and milk is actually great for your heart! Studies show that eating a small bit of chocolate every day can help lower blood pressure while reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Serious Satisfaction
Nibbling on a chocolate square can curb sweet tooth cravings that night normally lead to overindulgence in fatty snacks and deserts. Chocolate is often really low in fat and calories, so it can be a great way to lose weight without cutting out on the treats!
Stress No More!
Chocolate has the ability to help lift our moods and make us more resilient in the face of stress. In fact, studies have shown that moms who ate chocolate during pregnancy and those who snack on it as a daily treat are better able to handle the stress that comes along with parenting in a better way.
Skin Safe
Eating dark, pure chocolate can load your body up with extra protection against the damaging effects of the sun. The flavanol content in good chocolate can help protect the skin from reddening and burning so that you can play longer without the burn.
Get Smart!
Dark chocolate can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain which defeats stress and helps us think better. Eating chocolate when you have a project to work on or a deadline to meet could help you think clearer have better memory recall, and stay more focused!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy dark chocolate? Share it with us in the comments below!