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Every chocolate lover knows the simple pleasure of indulging in a few gourmet chocolates at the end of a long day. Did you know that there’s a scientific reason that chocolate makes you feel so good? Good-quality chocolate is packed with antioxidants that can protect your heart health and brain function as well as act as a mood-booster by triggering the release of endorphins in the brain. Essentially gourmet chocolate is good for you! So if you’re looking for an excuse to tuck into a delicious chocolate gift box, here are scientifically proven reasons why eating chocolate is good for your health... |
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1. Chocolate is a natural mood-boosterWe know that chocolate makes us happy, but why? Researchers believe that a number of substances found in chocolate contribute to that feeling of well-being. One of these chemicals is Tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body to produce the ‘happy hormone’ Serotonin. Another chemical found in good-quality chocolate is phenylethylamine, a natural anti-depressant that makes you feel more alert and content. Phenylethylamine is also produced by your body when you fall in love. No wonder we love rich chocolate so much! 2. Chocolate can reduce the risk of heart attackChocolate is often considered a ‘bad’ food that should be eaten sparingly, but did you know that consuming just a small amount of hand made chocolate every day can help prevent a heart attack? A study by scientists at the University of Cambridge found that eating chocolate regularly as part of your diet can reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack by an incredible 37 percent, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Note: Dark, milk, and white chocolate all contain antioxidants. However, dark chocolate usually has the lowest fat and sugar content so is best eaten for this benefit.
3. Chocolate can decrease your risk of suffering from a strokeThat’s right, heavy chocolate consumption can also help reduce the risk of suffering a stroke by 29 percent. This is due to the flavonoid antioxidants it contains which have a blood-pressure-reducing effects. Is there anything chocolate can’t do? Note: Flavonoid antioxidants are most concentrated in dark chocolate, but can also be found in milk chocolate. White chocolate does not contain flavonoids as it is not made from cocoa solids. 4. Chocolate can help prevent diabetesEating chocolate can decrease your risk of getting diabetes (type 2) by 31 percent, a study by the University of Cambridge found. The Polyphenols present in chocolate have been seen to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin so blood sugar levels are regulated as they should be. Another study by researchers at the University of Maine found that consuming dark chocolate just once a week can cut your risk of developing diabetes by half. Note: Polyphenols are most concentrated in dark chocolate, but can also be found in milk chocolate. They are not present in white chocolate. 5. Chocolate can boost energy levelsEver feel a little bit more awake and uplifted after eating milk or dark chocolate? That could be due to Theobromine. Similar to caffeine, Theobromine is a compound found in cocoa beans that naturally improves your energy levels and mood. Cocoa beans also contains caffeine but in far smaller amounts. So with all of those health benefits in mind, why not treat yourself to some of the top-quality gourmet gifts on over at Cravings by Zoe?
Take a look at our vast selection of melt-in-your-mouth gourmet chocolate gifts, all made from premium ingredients to ensure they deliver all the health benefits that the cocoa bean has to over. |