It’s the ultimate comfort food, a source of relief from stress, a mood-enhancer and romance-inducer. Who doesn’t love chocolate?! In conjunction with World Chocolate Day, here are five scientifically established health benefits (and more reasons!) for you to keep munching that chocolate.
- It’s good for the heart and circulation
A study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that dark chocolate helps restore flexibility to arteries, while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels, which means it prevents any potential clots that may form in the artery.
- It reduces the risk of stroke
A research study in Finland examined a group of men and their consumption of chocolate, and the researchers found that chocolate can lower the risk of having a stroke by an average of 17 per cent!
- It’s good for the brain
Dark chocolate contains anti-inflammatory qualities that have been proven to be beneficial in treating brain injuries such as concussion and stroke.
- It may prevent diabetes
This may sound crazy, but cocoa in dark chocolate has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity – delaying and preventing diabetes onset.
- It makes you feel better
Chocolate without a doubt makes you feel better! But have you ever wondered why?
Let us know why you love chocolate so much in the comments section below or via social media.