More Excuses to Eat Chocolate

Oh Yea! July 7th is National Chocolate Day! What a great day for millions of women to jump for joy at an excuse to romance the dark and creamy delight. While many of chocolates naughty little secrets are known, such as it's connection to increased acne and chocolates connection to other varying health issues, it also has a sweet list of benefits that should make many men and women unite in a serotonin inspired dance of joy.

Though chocolate has it unhealthy possibilities, on National Chocolate Day we need to focus on the benefits of chocolate. Chocolate is plant based, so your can feel confident knowing it contains many of the health benefits of a dark vegetable. Remember the downfalls of this idolized sweet, and know your body, then sit back and make a ode to chocolate list for your refrigerator door...giving you a years worth of excuses to indulge.

Mood :
The chocolate additive phenylethylamine has been linked to mood elevation, as well as the carbohydrates in chocolate, which are said to increase serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain which causes a feeling of well being (often found in most anti-depressants). Phenylethylamine has also been linked to a form of mental stimulation, keeping you more alert and increasing your ability to concentrate.

Serotonin is also the chemical associated with feelings of love, this is where chocolate often steps in when we are down, and gives us that short term love substitute.

The scent of chocolate has been found to cause relaxation.

The flavonoids in chocolate, known for their antioxidant activities, help balance hormones in the body. Unbalanced hormones often lead to offset moods, irritability, and in increase in PMS symptoms.

Chocolate has been linked to increased libido in women who have problems with their sexual health.

Appetite and Weight Loss:
One cup of hot coco before a meal has been found to decrease appetites .

Theobromine is a weak stimulant that in connection with the caffeine in chocolate, in small amounts, can actually give you a lift and help to slightly increase metabolism.

Body Health:
The flavonoids in chocolate block arterial damage caused by free radicals. They also help decrease blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide. (Dark chocolate is linked to helping lower blood pressure in those with high blood pressure.)
There is also evidence that cocoa flavonoids relax the blood vessels which inhibit an inflammation causing enzyme.

Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood stream. Antioxidants help to slow and prevent oxidative damage to our body.

The source of chocolate-cacao-helps fight tooth decay.

Coco butter in chocolate contains oleic acid which helps increase good cholesterol. Chocolate has also been found to help lower bad cholesterol approximately 10%.

Many migraine patients claim that small amounts of chocolate, when a migraine is 'coming on', may help lessen the duration of the pain.

Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.

Men who eat chocolate live longer than those who do not.

So, before your throw out that chocolate in pursuit of clearer skin or to help trim that waist, you may just want to keep a small amount of chocolate around to help stimulate your body, your mind, and that desire to feel up beat and in love.