Before I start let me make on thing clear: What’s good in chocolate is the cocoa. That means, the higher the percentage of cocoa, the better the chocolate. But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of dark chocolate! Most studies about the benefits of chocolate included sugary-milk-chocolate-loving participants and the findings were just as positive for them as for the dark chocolate eaters.

1. It's good for your heart

Studies have shown that daily consumption of dark chocolate lowers a person’s blood pressure by up to three points and increases the arterial flow from about 14 to 23%. This positive side effect of our beloved sweet is caused through microbes fermenting indigestible cocoa-compounds into anti-inflammatories, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream, where they do their job. Eating chocolate may therefore decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. It keeps your brain fit

By increasing blood flow to the brain, cocoa helps to keep the brain active and delay the onset of dementia in elderly people. This is supported by studies showing an 8.3% increase in blood flow to the brain and higher scores on memory tests.

3. It helps maintain a health weight

People who frequently eat chocolate are proven to have a lower BMI (body mass index) than others. This is likely to be caused by filling fiber in cocoa, which lowers a person’s appetite. So next time you give in to chocolate, don’t worry about your weight! But keep in mind some chocolates contain high amounts of sugar, added fat (beside the healthy cocoa butter) and artificial preservatives.

4. It makes you happy

This is actually true and there is scientific proof for it: Chocolate increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of happiness. People suffering form depression show lowered levels of serotonin, as do women during their period, which explains their chocolate cravings. chocolate also contains the chemical theobromine, which is closely related to caffeine and is believed to have mood enhancing effects.

5. It’s like falling in love

Also found in chocolate is phenethylamine. This substance is usually released by the brain when we fall in love and increases the action of dopamine, the neurochemical associated with sexual arousal.

Note to my readers:

Being and environmentally and socially conscious person, I advise everyone to buy only fair-trade and organic chocolate, as the cocoa industry is among the cruelest. Here are some brands producing fair-trade and organic chocolate:

Green&Blacks

Divine

Zotter Chocolate

The Raw Chocolate Co.

Cadbury Dairy Milk