This is why you should be eating chocolate everyday...

And when we say chocolate, we mean dark chocolate. The one thats rich in nutrients and not stuffed with sugar. Dark chocolate is usually between 50-90% cacao content and since it doesn't have any milk solids or alternatives, its vegan by nature on its own.

Dark chocolate is a healthier option than milk chocolate. It has less sugar and no milk, but significantly more cacao. Consuming dark chocolate has specific advantages due to its high cacao content.

However, should be eaten in moderation (~40-50g per day) if consumed everyday.

Here are some benefits you can gain while indulging in these guilt-free treats:

1. Prevent Heart Diseases with Chocolates

Did you know that dark chocolate plays an important role in improving the heart . Eating chocolate once per week was associated with an 8 percent lower risk of blocked arteries.

There are flavonoids in dark chocolate, chemicals help produce nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax. Relaxing your blood vessels also lowers blood pressure, improving blood flow is key to being healthy overall.

No, it’s not your imagination — it is said that eating dark chocolate with high percentages of cacao, such as 70 percent dark chocolate, may benefit your brain.

Memory and learning can also be enhanced by chocolate consumption as the flavonoids tend to accumulate in areas of the brain responsible for those functions.

Chocolate consumption can also improve memory and learning because flavonoids accumulate in areas of the brain responsible for these functions, promoting neurogenesis, enhancing synaptic plasticity, increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving mental alertness. Consuming high-cacao dark chocolate in moderation can thus improve general brain health and cognitive performance.

3. Improves your Mood

There is evidence that chocolate stimulates neuronal function in parts of the brain linked with pleasure and reward, which reduces stress and enhances mood.

Dark chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that may help alleviate PMS symptoms, including cramps, water retention, fatigue, depression and irritability. (gotta love this one, ladies!).

4. Chocolates prevent Diabetes. Its true.

Eating chocolate every day does not appear to be the greatest method to avoid diabetes, but studies have shown that eating reasonable amounts of dark chocolate high in cacao can actually enhance how the body metabolises glucose when combined with a good diet. Resistance to insulin generates elevated blood glucose (sugar), which is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes.
Dark chocolate flavonoids have been shown to lower oxidative stress, which experts believe is the major cause of insulin resistance. By increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin, you lessen your chance of developing disorders like diabetes.

5. Eat Chocolates And Lose Weight?

Eating chocolate every day probably seems like the last way to lose weight, but dark chocolate may play a role in controlling appetite, which in turn could help with weight loss. Eating a bit of dark chocolate before or after meals triggers hormones that signal to the brain you’re full. Of course, eating more than the recommended amount per day can counteract any potential weight loss, and eating dark chocolate will not counteract the effects of an overall unhealthy diet.

Chocolate acts as a prebiotic, which is a form of fibre that promotes the growth of good bacteria in the stomach. The more "good" bacteria in your system, the better your body will absorb nutrients and promote a healthy metabolism.

6. It Fights Free Radicals and May Play a Role in Cancer Prevention

Dark chocolate (not milk and white chocolate) is rich in antioxidants and packed with nutrients, making this bittersweet treat a superfood with a number of benefits.

Cacao has numerous antioxidants, more than green tea or red wine. The darker you go, the more antioxidants you’ll get. Your best bet is choosing a bar with 70 percent cacao or higher. Bars with lower percentages of cacao have more added sugar and unhealthy fats. And even though quality dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate, it is still chocolate, meaning it’s high in calories and saturated fat. To avoid weight gain consume no more than 50 grams of dark chocolate per day.

Eating a diet high in flavonoids, such as chocolate, can help reduce cell damage, which is commonly linked to many diseases. Flavonoids, such as epicatechin, is thought to be responsible for its cancer-fighting qualities.

7. Keep your Skin young and glowing

Not only are chocolates loved by children, but it also de-ages you to become one. Or atleast your skin. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules thought to be responsible for aging and disease.

Dark chocolate is packed full of nutrients— like copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese, to name a few — that are beneficial to your skin. Manganese, for example, supports the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin looking young and healthy.

8. Dark Chocolate may send Good Cholesterol Up, Bad Cholesterol Down

Dark chocolate is also known for its cholesterol-lowering properties, which explains why, in one study, a handful of almonds, dark chocolate, and unsweetened cocoa resulted in a significant drop in overweight and obese participants’ low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol.

The cocoa butter in dark chocolate may also play a part in raising high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. Cocoa butter contains oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat — the same fat you find in heart-healthy olive oil. But cocoa butter, unlike olive oil, is also contains saturated fat, which in excess can be harmful to the heart, further emphasizing the need for portion control.

9. Dark Chocolate Is Wholesome — and Romantic!

Chocolate has been an ancient tradition in many cultures for years and is often associated with romantic love. One of the first links between chocolate and romance was established by the Mayans, who created a ritual beverage made from cocoa mixed with water, black pepper, vanilla, and spices.

They used the mixture during marriage ceremonies, and it is said to be associated with the god of fertility.

Although it's always a nice treat to receive a delicious box of chocolates from the object of your affection, this particular treat actually has some potential health benefits, which is why you might want to include a little dark chocolate in your diet every day.

If consumed in moderation and on a regular basis, dark chocolates have a world of benefits to offer. Now that you know the wonders of this superfood, how would you incorporate dark chocolate to your daily routine? Hit us up with you tips and tricks in the comments below.