Let’s eat Chocolate
The benefits of Eating Chocolate
Let’s be honest: during Easter, Christmas, and birthdays, chocolate isn’t just a treat, it's mandatory to eat chocolate for breakfast.
Now, I love chocolate, really love it. There’s nothing more comforting than a cuppa tea and a chunky square or the whole bar. While I do have my favourites, I’m happy to eat any brand of milk, white, and dark variety available. I’ll admit it, I love chocolate like some people love their dogs. Deeply. Emotionally. Sometimes obsessively.
Scientific research states that chocolate contains flavonoids which has been linked to better brain function, memory boosts, and even improved cardio-metabolic health.
A study led by Aedín Cassidy at Queen’s University Belfast found that women with Type 2 Diabetes who ate flavonoid-rich dark chocolate daily had better blood vessel elasticity, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels. Suddenly, this feels like eating chocolate could be a health strategy.
But sadly, and it’s a bitter but, not all chocolate is created equal. White chocolate is basically sugar. Milk chocolate has too few flavonoids. If you want the benefits, you’ve got to go dark. The darker, the better. Think 70% cocoa or higher.
It’s amazing that a brain imaging study on young adults showed that a high-flavonoid chocolate drink improved performance in cognitive tests and boosted brain oxygenation and blood flow. So, it is possible that chocolate might literally help you think better.
Even though the main benefits are found in dark varieties, any chocolate makes us feel better, can reduce stress and help to lift our spirits. I like to remind myself that it has some nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and a sprinkling of iron, zinc, and magnesium. The sad fact is that chocolate is still high in sugar, fat, and calories. Clearly moderation is key.
So yes, while science says “just a little bit” and “only the dark stuff,” I say a little of what you fancy does you good. For me, chocolate is my go-to comfort for all stress and hormonal chaos in my life.
Now if only I could crave broccoli or if carrots and kale boosted my serotonin and endorphins, maybe I'd crave those too.