Mood-Improving, Immune-Boosting Dark Chocolate
Last week, we talked about how dark or raw chocolate can give you some health benefits. We also mentioned that only specific chocolates are actually healthy. To make sure I eat the healthiest chocolate, I use only 85% dark or higher, and when I make hot chocolate, I use the healthiest, which is raw (uncooked or unprocessed) cocoa powder.
Chocolate is one of the highest antioxidant-rated foods. Chocolate is rich in powerful antioxidants like resveratrol and epicatechin, is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Folate, B2, B5, B6, and Vitamin K. Chocolate also contains brain and heart-healthy fats and other healthy phytonutrients.
How Dark Chocolate Improves Our Mood!
Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate a few times a week can help lower your blood pressure, improve blood flow, and may even help prevent the formation of blood clots. It helps increase our uptake of serotonin, which improves our mood.
Chocolate also has Phenylethylamine (or PEA), which is a natural chemical produced by our brains to produce endorphins (mood-elevating hormones that are attributed to the feeling of love). And you guessed it right! Dark chocolate is full of it! This creates a euphoric feeling in our brains and can help with depression, irritability, grief, and much more!
Another substance found in chocolate is anandamide. A fatty substance that is naturally produced in the brain, anandamide makes us feel relaxed and improve our mood.
Immune Function
Chocolate is also good when you’re sick. If you can’t get the rest you need or if you suffer from the flu, just try a bit of dark chocolate. The Xantheose, an ingredient in dark chocolate, has been proven to suppress a cough and help with symptoms and inflammation. This effect is attributed to the antioxidants in chocolate and puts it in the same arena as blueberries, acai berries, and many more superfoods. But dark chocolate and raw cacao have much higher antioxidant values!
Enjoy dark and raw chocolate; it doesn’t take much, just an ounce or two every day, to get the desired health benefits and pleasurable relaxation it provides.
While writing this for you, I am enjoying a delicious cup of velvety, rich, dark cocoa. I add a little Ceylon cinnamon, almond milk, and stevia. The aroma and taste is bliss!
Enjoy your healthy chocolate!
Vive Shake contains healthy cocoa for a rich chocolatey flavor. To see how it can help your health and wellness plan, contact us today at info@viveshake.com or 877-878-3009.