All of us are guilty of eating chocolate as a guilty pleasure – especially when we’re running high on emotions. However, while we’re constantly being told to cut down on snacking, researchers are encouraging us to eat more chocolate, due to the health benefits that it can provide. With this in mind, you should think about bulk-buying chocolate as a snack to keep in the cupboards for whenever you’re feeling peckish – or perhaps, even as a health booster!
Here are just some of the reasons why you should be buying more chocolate:
- Heart health
According to scientific studies, chocolate can keep your heart healthy. Dark chocolate, in particular, is high in flavonoids which reduces bad cholesterol that causes plaque to clog up the artery walls. Studies have shown that these flavonoids ultimately help keep your arteries and veins in good condition and could reduce your risk of a heart attack by 37%.
- May improve your memory as you age
Another study showed that eating chocolate regularly could improve your memory as you age. Chocolate contains cocoa which has been proven to have a direct correlation with brain function and could, therefore, slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidants direct blood to the brain to improve cognitive function and may even reverse some aspects of damage.
- Promotes better skin
Chocolate with a high flavanol content has been shown to improve our skin. The flavonoids contained within chocolate are proven to increase moisture and hydration, reduce wrinkles and can even protect your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. Despite this, it would always be advised to wear sunscreen while out in direct sunlight.
- It helps produce feel-good endorphins
When you’re feeling on a high (whether that be excitement, happiness or love) the brain releases endorphins which gives you that powerful feel-good factor. Why? Because, chocolate contains chemical components such as phenylethylamine, which is the exact same chemical the body releases when we are in love!
These chemicals interact with the receptors in the brain which means we are less likely to feel pain physical pain and also, puts us in a good mood. Chocolate has the ability to release endorphins, which acts as a natural mood-booster and is most likely the reason why many of us eat so much chocolate when we’re feeling low. When eating in moderation regularly, chocolate could help lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression on a long-term basis.
- Reduces risk of cancer
Already there has been no proven cure for cancer, research has suggested that dark chocolate, in particular, contains anti-inflammatory properties which reduces the risk of harmful antioxidants attacking cells, which leads to the growth of cancer. Although there is still a great deal more research to be done into the relationship between chocolate and cancer, the early findings are looking positive.
Got a craving for chocolate after reading this blog?
Take a look at our website and find out which of your favourite chocolate bars you can buy in bulk!