Regular consumption of chocolate can help with neurological issues and impairments.
It is something that has been recorded in cultures around the world ever since the first person picked the first cocoa bean off of a bush; the health benefits that come from consuming this world-changing, if not somewhat unimpressive, bean.
The cocoa bean is the core ingredient in chocolate, and if you know a chocaholic, they will probably delight in telling you all of the health benefits that come with eating chocolate. In moderation, of course!
So, here, you will be walked through some of the most reported benefits of eating chocolate. Enjoy!
Antioxidants
Even the most basic custom box of chocolates will be loaded with antioxidants, making opening that next chocolate bar all the more tempting.
A diet that is high in antioxidants has been found to reduce the risks of many diseases, particularly heart disease and certain cancers. Why does this happen? Well, in simple terms, antioxidants hunt free radicals from the cells in the body, which can develop into cancer cells, thereby preventing and reducing the damage caused by oxidation. It’s all very scientific sounding, but if you consume low-sugar chocolate regularly, you have a lower risk of developing cancer- as backed by science!
Cardiovascular Health
It has long been known that chocolate, in general, contains high levels of magnesium, which is known to help regulate the cardiovascular system.
As mentioned before, the antioxidants in chocolate have also been found in research to clear plaques out of the arteries around the heart, lowering the risk of heart attacks and heart diseases like angina. Chocolate does not stop there, though, and it has been found to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow overall due to the flavonoids that occur naturally in the cocoa bean.
Neurological Health
It has been found that the regular consumption of chocolate can help with neurological issues and impairments.
Indeed, many studies have linked the consumption of chocolates to a decline in memory issues in older adults andhelping with mental acuity in younger people. That is not to say you need to consume higher levels of chocolate to be smarter, but when consumed at the right levels, chocolate can help you to stay mentally sharper.
Mental Health
Many people are well aware of chocolate has role in mental health.
This does not apply to chocoholics who may have an addiction issue to the sweet stuff! However, if you are somebody who is looking for a way to boost your mood temporarily, chocolate can help. This is because it releases endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain, all of which have been linked to better mental states, as well as reducing anxiety and improving sleep long-term. It should be noted that chocolate also contains caffeine, so don’t eat it too late at night!
Remember, if you suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, it is always advisable to seek help from your doctor if the symptoms have not improved within twoweeks from the initial onset.
