Chocolate's good for you!
Sometimes only chocolate will do, and if you're on a diet, or trying not to eat too many sweet treats, we've got some good news for you. Chocolate in moderation is good for you! And here's why...
Chocolate's a superfood
As long as it has a cocoa content of 60% or more, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and can lower blood pressure. The darker it is, the lower in fat and sugar it is too, so it's even good if you're watching your weight!
Chocolate can help you live longer
Chocolate contains substances called flavonoids which thin the blood preventing clotting and protecting against heart disease and cancer. Researchers in the US have done experiments that showed that if you eat chocolate three times a month, you could add up to a year to your life expectancy! Dark chocolate also contains more antioxidants than red wine, which protects against cancers, and it also contains iron, magnesium and phosphorous. The higher the cocoa content, the better the chocolate is for you.
Chocolate's an aphrodisiac
Chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine. It's released naturally in the human body when you're in love. Chocolate also contains dopamine which is a natural painkiller and serotonin which produces feelings of pleasure. The melting point of chocolate is slightly below our body temperature so it gives a pleasurable sensory experience when it melts in the mouth.
Try these chocolate bars that are made of dark chocolate and have a high cocoa content
- Green & Black's Organic dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa, £1.75, from Asda
- Cadbury Bournville, £1.33, from Tesco until 1st April 2008.
- Lindt Excellence 85% cocoa bar, £1.20 from Asda
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By Anna Penniceard
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Ruby , 5 months
mii gawd all this talk abou choclate being bad its aload of notinhinnesss ! GEt SOME CH)OCLATATE@
Report this commentfood, 9 months
i love chocolate as most of girls like it, but i thought it has fat and for migraine patient it is harmful (as i am migraine patient). but now you told lot of benefits of chocolate now i can think to eat it.
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lily, 4 months
i learnt alot about chocolate and all this info is going to be gd for my debate on my friend wish me all the best
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