Chocolate always seems to get a bad rap, in the health area that is. This delicious treat is blamed for so many ailments from acne to obesity. But does eating chocolate really mean sacrificing good health?
No. Chocolate isn't the evil stepsister of delicious treats. In fact, chocolate has a lot of great health properties that are often overlooked. Many people are unaware of how chocolate can benefit their health, both physically and emotionally.
Now of course we need to have a disclaimer. The chocolate that is good for your health is the pure, dark chocolate. So those of you who were ready to run out and buy a case of Hershey bars, hold on for a minute. While milk chocolate contains the basics of dark chocolate, it is so processed and filled with additives that it hardly resembles its healthy parent. By the time the milk, sugar, and other additives are put into that chocolate bar it isn't very healthy. In fact, it is this type of sweet that has given chocolate a bad name.
The chocolate that is good for you is rich and dark. Just like the fruits and vegetables that are the darkest in color are the healthiest, so it is with chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants which as you know are essential to help your body get rid of free radicals. We all have free radicals in our bodies. It is the result of living in a world that has pollution in the air and water. These free radicals attack our cells and can really cause a mess. The damage they cause can lead to disease and a general feeling of unhealthiness.
But, foods like chocolate and dark colored fruits and vegetables can help your body purge the free radicals and boost your health. You should have as many servings as possible of foods that are rich in antioxidants every day. And a treat of chocolate is good for you and delicious as well!
Chocolate has also been proven to be a great mood elevator. You know how people tend to turn to chocolate after a bad day or when they are down? Well it really works! The chocolate helps to beat the blues, fights stress, and helps you to relax. Just make sure you are eating dark chocolate.
It is time for us to forget about all the bad things you have heard about chocolate. Dark rich chocolate is good for your health. But remember, as in all things moderation is best!