Could you uses a little more bliss in your life? Try indulging in love and chocolate…at least that’s what studies show. Yep, that’s right, it turns out that you can actually nourish your health with love and chocolate, and what better day than Valentine’s Day to cherish the blissful moments?
Who doesn’t love some chocolate right?! That’s why to get in the spirit of chocolate chat, I’m enjoying a delicious piece this very moment, just to get in to the spirit of course ;)
Chocolate is one of those foods that has gone from being glorified to villianized many times. It’s understandable why so many people think of it as junk food, and naturally there is plenty of processed chocolate out there that contains unhealthy ingredients. But, not all chocolate deserves a bad rap.
With a healthy dose of awareness when it comes to ingredients and serving size, you can actually enjoy a variety of chocolate, and studies are showing that there might even be some pretty great health benefits for those consuming this delicious treat regularly, and even on a daily basis.
Health Benefits of Chocolate
Dark chocolate from raw unprocessed cocoa beans is rich in antioxidants (showing higher activity than many other fruits) such as flavanols, polyphenols, and catechins, which all help to reduce damage to the cells caused by free radicals. It contains a high percentage of minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and a fair amount of fiber.
Studies show that chocolate may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol, raising good cholesterol, and decreasing insulin resistance, which can also reduce the risk for diabetes.
The impact on brain function and mood are also gaining attention. The theobromine in chocolate has the ability to dilate blood vessels which can send more blood flow to the brain resulting in better cognitive function. Serotonin can also be increased which sends signals to our brain that we feel good, and are in a happy state, thereby reducing stress levels, and regulating mood and sleep.
Quite possibly one of the best potential health benefits of chocolate may be that of losing weight. Yep that’s right, healthy serotonin levels can positively impact our weight. Add to that the long term satisfaction that the combination of fats, protein, and fiber contained in chocolate provide, and you won’t have the desire to overload your body with unhealthy sugar because you feel like your missing out.
When looking for a quality dark chocolate look for organic, at least 70% cacao, and the least amount of ingredients as possible. There are some raw and vegan dark chocolates
Speaking of Love…
Ahhh love… I love to talk about love. Is that too many loves? All I can say is that love is one of the greatest gifts we can to give, to ourselves and to eachother. It doesn’t cost a thing and gives you all the warm and fuzzy feels.
Yes Valentine’s Day is the day for love, but really everyday is the day for love. Love triggers the release of the feel-good hormone dopamine which brings about pleasure, well being, energy, and optimism. That’s why love literally feels so good. As humans it is innately within us to crave connection since we are social beings by nature.
Did you know that physical touch like hugging, holding hands, kissing, and having sex, actually lowers stress hormones, strengthens the immune system, and decreases things like blood pressure, anxiety, and depression? So grab someone and give them a huge hug, or sex it up with the one you love…it’s all good and healthy!
Most of all don’t forget to love yourself up, you deserve it :) And if you are flying solo today, treat yourself to your favorite flowers, a relaxing spa day, a glass of wine, your favorite meal and a great movie, or whatever it is that makes you feel the love. P.S. Don’t forget the chocolate!
I hope you have a happy, blissful Valentine’s Day filled with lots of everything that gives you all the good feels. I’m off to spend mine at the beach with my sexy surfer soul mate…be still my heart.
XOXO
Who doesn’t love some chocolate? I love it – Valentine’s Day or any other day! The last five years I have stoped eating “unhealthy” chocolate. Now I choose to eat healthy ones. Marie
Marie, I know right?! Funny you mention your switch to healthy chocolate, I grew up on milk chocolate and couldn’t stand the taste of dark chocolate forever. It wasn’t until my early 30’s that I finally started to kinda like dark chocolate, it took some years but I eventually came to LOVE the taste. Now that I’m used to it milk chocolate tastes overwhelmingly sweet to me! Sticking with my dark :)
Nice little post there! Really liked the way you had it set out – nice and visual!
Thanks James! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for stopping by :)
great article! thank you!
My pleasure Christina! Hope you had a great Valentine’s Day with chocolate :)