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Health Benefits of Chocolate

By Morgan Benavidez

What's dark, rich, tasty and good for getting your blood pumping? No, I'm not talking about a hunky bachelor--it's chocolate. Recent studies have shown that this "junk food" can actually be beneficial to your mood and health.

While chocolate is certainly delicious, its appeal doesn't only stem from the taste, but also from the chemical reactions it creates in the brain. Eating chocolate increases the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps to ward off depression. Like vigorous exercise, chocolate also increases the secretion of endorphins. Two other substances found in chocolate--theobromine and phenyl ethylamine--have a stimulating effect on the brain. And the tantalizing aroma of chocolate is thought to increase theta brain waves, leading to a relaxed sensation.

With so many mood benefits, it's no wonder chocolate is commonly thought of as an aphrodisiac. While this is not a proven fact, the effects of love or lust (increased heart rate, a sensation of well-being, etc.) are strikingly similar to those caused by eating chocolate.

In addition to helping your mood, dark chocolate is also highly beneficial to the circulatory system. The flavanols in chocolate make blood platelets less likely to stick together, preventing dangerous clots that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Flavonols also help keep blood vessels elastic.

Studies have shown that cocoa helps the body process nitric oxide, a compound that is important for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Also, cocoa butter contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat thought to raise good cholesterol.

Dark chocolate is rich with antioxidants and may even help prevent cancer. It also helps with appetite control when eaten in moderation, and boosts memory. What more could you ask for in a tasty treat?

Not all chocolate is created equal--milk actually makes antioxidant absorption more difficult, so you would have to about eat twice as much milk chocolate as dark chocolate to achieve the same health benefits--of course, this might not seem like such a bad idea until your waste line expands.

Next time you decide to indulge in something sweet, don't feel guilty, just reach for some dark chocolate--it will satisfy your craving, cheer you up and benefit your health.

Morgan Benavidez is the Managing Editor of Phoenix Woman magazine.