Home » Healthy Living » Diet & Nutrition

Health Benefits of Chocolate

Ranked #23,843 in Healthy Living, #342,065 overall

Wondering what are some health benefits of chocolate?

Just about everyone loves chocolate, and we all know why that is. It's sweet, rich taste is amazing! But as the old rule says, if it tastes good, then you better spit it out. Most people would think that this rule goes along for chocolate, as well. But is there a chance, that maybe, just maybe, this sweet goodness could possibly be good for us? Are there any health benefits of chocolate?

Chocolate makes a great gift!

Countdown to Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day: February 14, 2012

Buy Chocolate on Amazon!

Loading

Basically....

The key is moderation. Chocolate may have some health benefits, but not necessarily enough to justify eating a lot of it. You have to remember that although there are antioxidants, and it has some health benefits, it also has plenty of fat and sugar, which isn't very healthy. Having some every now and then isn't a bad thing at all, however, it is not healthy enough to justify eating a lot of chocolate in order to "be healthier".

“I like chocolate because it makes me happy! It tastes good and makes me smile!”

Makes You Feel Good

We all already knew this: Chocolate just makes you feel good. If you are tired and frustrated or had a bad day, chocolate can just make you smile! But is it in your head, or is there really a reason for it? Well, chances are, it's probably both! Chocolate encourages endorphin production. That gives you a pleasurable feeling. Chocolate also contains serotonin. Serotonin is an anti-depressant!

Too Much?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Where Do The Benefits Come From?

Most of the benefits from chocolate come from the "flavanoids" found inside the chocolate.

Lowers Blood Pressure!

By eating a small piece of chocolate every day, you can help lower your blood pressure! So many people today find all kinds of pills and such to do the job, when really a small piece of sweetness could actually do the job. Dark chocolate is recommended.

Flavenoids: A type of polyphenol antioxidant

Relaxation

Chocolate not only makes you feel good, it could help you relax. But not by eating it! (Eating chocolate - or drinking it- before you go to bed could keep you from falling asleep because of the caffeine in it.) However, the smell has proven to raise your theta brain waves, causing you to relax.

Health Benefits of Chocolate

Loading

Random Fact

Guys who consume chocolate tend to live a year longer than those who don't!

Pain Reliever

Chocolate also has proven to help alleviate pain! If the symptoms are bad enough, you might want to just go for some Tylenol or Ibuprofin. However, chocolate also can help relieve your pain! It helps release endorphins into your bloodstream, which make you feel happier, and help reduce pain!

What Is The Healthiest Kind of Chocolate?

Cocoa Powder! Followed by Dark chocolate, then milk chocolate.

Fights Tooth Decay

When I first read this, I thought it was a little ironic. We always thought that sugar and chocolate and sweets would give you cavities, right? Well, it turns out that Cacao contains antibacterial agents that actually help fight tooth decay! However, when you have milk chocolate, with all the sugar involved there, it counter-acts. Try for pure, dark chocolate.

Who Discovered Chocolate?

The Mayans found the health benefits from chocolate as early as 1500 BC. They used cocoa for a nasty-tasting, medicinal beverage. This beverage was supposed to boost energy and stamina. I guess this was the first real energy drink!
In the 1500's when the Spanish discovered the New World, they most likely brought chocolate back to Europe. Which eventually came back to America.

The Ultimate Chocolate Lover?

Here's a t-shirt!

Chocolate Lovers T-Shirt shirt
Chocolate Lovers T-Shirt by politicalgirl
More Chocolate T-Shirts

Favorite Kind?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

What Do You Think?

What Do You Say?

Do you think the benefits of chocolate outweigh the disadvantages?

Loading

Yes

No

 

More Lenses about Chocolate!

Loading

What Do You Think About the Health Benefits of Chocolate?

What do you think? You like chocolate? You don't? Think it's healthy? Post below! Thanks for stopping by!

  • janarguitar Oct 23, 2011 @ 8:13 pm | delete
    This is relevant to my post too...
    see here http://www.squidoo.com/health-benefits-of-chocolates
  • amyvdm Sep 20, 2010 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    I love chocolate and cant believe it can be good for you for the same time!
Show All

Share This With Your Friends!

Add this to your lens »

Bookmark and Share

Disclaimer

Please note, I do make a small amount in affiliate revenue from sales made through this lens. I am trying to save money for college, and this is a great way to do so!

by

brittzy

Is chocolate healthy? What are the health benefits of chocolate? Find out here.

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Get Chocolate on Amazon! 

Dark chocolate is the healthiest!

thinkThin Protein Bar, Dark Chocolate, Gluten Free, 2.1-Ounce Bars (Pack of 10)

thinkThin Protein Bar, Dark Chocolate, Gluten Free, 2.1-Ounce Bars (Pack of 10)

Amazon Price: $15.97 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

Other Lenses You Might Like 

Loading

Related Tags