Can dark chocolates actually makes you happy and healthy?

Regardless of the age, we all love eating chocolates but if these chocolates starts giving us health benefits we would love eating them more. Surprised!!!  Yes, various scientists, nutritionists around the globe have claimed that chocolates actually benefits health and makes you happy.

One of the renowned physician Eric Cornwell who won noble prize in 2001 contributed his success to the large amount of dark chocolates that he eats every day. 

The health and brain benefits of chocolate mainly comes from the antioxidant that is found in cocoa from which chocolates are made. But as cocoa is bitter and chalky, milk and sugar are often added to make chocolate tastier, diluting the antioxidant content. Dark chocolates with 85% or more cocoa should be consumed as they are less fatty and sugary as compared to milk chocolates. So lets now explore the benefits of eating this widely loved food.

Dark chocolates and Mood Booster

Dark chocolates acts as a instant mood booster due to the various natural occurring chemicals in it and some of these chemicals affect the human brain via the release of particular neurotransmitter which creates positive effects on human feelings. One of these neurotransmitter is phenylethylamine which is sometimes called “the love drug”, because it arouses feelings similar to those that occur when one is in love. Another neurotransmitter, serotonin, is a mood-lifter, as well. Eating chocolate also releases endorphins into the brain. Endorphins are known to decrease levels of both stress and pain.

Dark Chocolate and Memory Booster

Dark chocolate is considered as memory booster food. As per the recent study, chemical found in the dark chocolate helps in boosting memory, attention span, reaction time and problem solving skills by increasing blood flow to an area of the brain that promotes memory. The flavonoids found in the chocolate enhances the blood flow to the brain in young and old alike.

   

A study at Harvard Medical School found that consuming two cups of hot chocolate increased the blood flow to the brain for 2-3 hours. Dark chocolates are beneficial for short term memory and prevents mental decline in adults. Chocolates also contains caffeine know as brain booster in low doses which improves memory and concentration level.

Dark chocolate and Brain Health

Our brain uses lot of oxygen (20% of total body intake) for its proper functioning thus making it more susceptible to free radical damage. Free radicals are the unattached oxygen molecules that attack the cells in the same way  that oxygen attack metals causing them to rust.

Cocoa which is in abundance in dark chocolates contains antioxidants which protects the brain from free radicals by neutralizing them.

Chocolates are very helpful in treating various brain related medical conditions like strokes and dementia. The powerful antioxidant found in dark chocolates reduce the risk of dementia. Dark chocolate decreases insulin resistance which in turn reduces the risk of Alzheimer- form of diabetes of the brain.

Dark chocolate and other Health Benefits

The antioxidants found in cocoa comes with anti inflammatory effects which improves blood flow and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some nutritionist claims that eating dark chocolate everyday reduces blood pressure and also helps in preventing cancer.

Chocolates are the most widely craved food. Eating dark chocolates helps in controlling food cravings. Eating a little dark chocolate has been shown to reduce cravings of all junk food of all kinds — sweet, salty, and fatty. Consequently it can help you make healthy food choices, cut calories and lose weight. 

So guys , what you waiting for go and get a pack of dark chocolate to avail these amazing benefits.