Scrolling through the internet, I came across the best news for a chocoholic. Today is World Chocolate Day. How I have gone through 23 years without knowing that July 7 is a day to celebrate chocolate is beyond me. To celebrate this most wonderful of days (maybe even better than Christmas, although I actually get chocolates at Christmas), I’ve combined Daily Mail and Huffington Post’s list for reasons why you should eat chocolate.
All the reasons listed (according to the publications) are based on scientific research. So it must be true, right? Here are some great reasons why everyday should be World Chocolate Day:
Chocolate is great for your heart and warding off diabetes
Huffington Post reports that a study by the Journal of Nutrition found that eating a small amount of chocolate could reduce your risk of heart disease. While Daily Mail reports that the flavonoids found in chocolate are linked to reduced insulin resistance and improved glucose regulation, which helps with diabetes.
Of course, overindulging in chocolate (eating a slab with every meal and some M&Ms in between) will have the opposite effect. Chocolate needs to be taken in moderation.
Chocolate boosts brain power
There has never been a better excuse for munching on Smarties while studying. Both the Huffington Post and Daily Mail report that chocolate helps boost brain power. According to the Daily Mail studies have found that eating chocolate at least once a week may improve memory, concentration and problem-solving.
A study by the University of South Australia traced a thousand people over 30 years and found that those who indulged regularly performed better in a range of brain tests. Huffington Post reports that the flavonoids found in chocolates, combined with antioxidants, could help people with their number skills. This makes complete sense to me, as the smartest girl I knew from high school ate chocolates everyday (although she might have overindulged a bit).
It’s a natural stress-relieving, happy pill
via GIPHY
It is no surprise that a study by the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that people who consumed chocolate reported feeling calmer. Chocolate is a stress reliever for many. It contains valeric acid, which works like a natural tranquilliser. Apparently, this also has some pain-relieving qualities.
Mostly, though, I think it has to do with the happy hormones found in this delicious treat. The tryptophan found in chocolate helps the brain make serotonin, which in turn makes you feel super happy and also relaxed. There seems to be no better way to unwind after a difficult day at work than to nibble a bit of chocolate.
It protects your skin
Both publications report that eating chocolate could help against UV rays. According to the Daily Mail, eating 20g of chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa for three months allowed adults to withstand double the UV rays. While I will certainly use the rest as an excuse to buy chocolates, I wouldn’t put complete trust on this study. Rather be careful and use sunscreen.
Happy Wold Chocolate Day my fellow chocoholics. Now excuse me, I need to go buy a slab to celebrate my good health!
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