21 reasons why I love chocolate
- Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay.
- The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
- Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
- The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.
- Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
- The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
- Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
- Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
- Chocolate raises the serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.
- Decrease blood pressure
- Improve circulation
- Lower death rate from heart disease
- Improve function of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels
- Defend against destructive molecules called free radicals, which trigger cancer, heart disease and stroke
- Improve Digestion and stimulate kidneys
- Has been used to help treat patients with anemia, kidney stones and poor appetite
- Chocolate contains stearic acid, a neutral fat which doesn't raise bad cholesterol.
- Flavonoids also:
- help reduce platelet activation
- affect the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels
- positively affect the balance of certain hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids, which are thought to play a role in cardiovascular health.
3 comments:
What a great list! Now I have a new appreciation for chocolate...as if I needed a new reason to love it! Thanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving some comment love!
Love your list! Chocolate is good for you... :)
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today - I really appreciated it! I'm following you now... ;)
Oh you are torturing me! I gave up sweets for lent!! haha. --Michelle