Health Benefits of Chocolate
Chocolate isn’t just delicious. Consuming chocolate also has some health benefits, so if you are a chocolate lover here are some things that will make you feel better about adding those extra calories to your diet.
It Can Cheer You Up
Studies have shown that chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain which is the feel-good hormone. Experts compare the feeling it induces with the feeling one experiences when falling in love. Makes sense why chocolate is associated with Valentine’s day! …So, if you are having a bad day, a piece of chocolate can always help.
Helps Heart Health
Cardiologists affirm eating chocolate reduces stroke risks by lowering blood pressure and thinning the blood. Chemicals contained in chocolate have an anti-inflammatory effect that helps to widen and relax blood vessels. So why not prevent or minimize heart diseases if all it takes is to eat a piece of chocolate?
Calms Coughs
Have you ever had an insisting cough that does not seem to go away? Try eating chocolate! Neuroscientists have discovered that chocolate contains a chemical called Theobromine which, when consumed, sends a signal from the central nervous system directly to the brain. This signal transmits the message to suppress coughing. Say goodbye to that annoying cough!
It May Make You Smarter
Research has proved that chocolate has properties that make you more alert and give you energy, making you more efficient and proactive on a day to day basis. It also helps increase memory allowing you to better retain new information. If you are taking up a new challenge, why not boost your concentration with a little bit of chocolate?
Prevents Development of Alzheimer’s
Cocoa contains a chemical called Epicatechin. According to different studies, this chemical helps protect the brain from the formation of sticky proteins, or amyloid plaques, which are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Hopefully these health benefits convince you to stop by Thomas Sweet to treat yourself without any guilt!