Chocolate is one of my favourite things in the world, and apparently, a lot of people in the world share the same sentiment because there’s a whole holiday dedicated to chocolate alone( 29th November), and according to the World Cocoa Foundation, people around the world consume more than 3 million tons of cocoa beans a year. I can’t blame them though because chocolate is delicious, a great gift (ask stores on Valentine’s Day) and is also versatile. Chocolate is the gift that keeps on giving because anything chocolate-flavoured is just as elite as the snack itself. And while there has been a lot of speculation on whether chocolate is good for us or not, scientists have proferred that eating chocolate doesn’t just make us happy, it actually has positive effects on our general health and well-being. Here are a few of the ways in which chocolate has been proven to be good for you:

1. Chocolate reduces the risk of heart disease

Research has found that food derived from the cocoa bean, like dark chocolate, help prevents or lowers the risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. And according to Havard Health, chocolate helps prevent against the heart condition called atrial fibrillation, which is a condition that is characterized by an irregular, rapid heart rate that eventually results in heart failure or strokes. This study carried out by a research team at Harvard and in Denmark revealed that those who eat chocolate at least twice per week had a 20% lower rate of atrial fibrillation. 

2. Chocolate contains essential minerals

Chocolate contains powerful antioxidants like flavonol, which is an antioxidant that can only be found in cocoa and chocolate. Antioxidants are compounds that are important in protecting our cells from damage by free radicals which are unstable molecules that can weaken cells. Chocolate also contains beneficial minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc and iron. 

3. Want to learn better? Eat some chocolates!

I have a theory...hear me out: children should be given chocolate every morning before school. Apart from the fact that it would make them happy and open to learning, chocolate has been proven to improve learning, memory,  attention span, focus and overall cognitive functions. In fact, let’s not limit it to kids, chocolate for everyone in the morning!

4. Dark Chocolate helps prevent diabetes

As ironic as it might sound, it’s true. Dark chocolate contains another compound called polyphenols, that possesses antioxidant properties. Polyphenols improve how well insulin works in the body and this would, in turn, help to regulate blood sugar. 

5. Your skincare regimen needs a little more chocolate

Chocolate is rich in vitamins like A, B1, C, D, E, plus iron and calcium and these have all been proven to be good for the skin. Chocolate (dark chocolate m: at least 70% cocoa) can boost skin moisture, help prevent discolouration, prevents ageing, and helps prevent sunburn. Don’t just use SPF, eat a little more chocolate, I promise your skin will thank you for it.

6. Sex is great but chocolate is better!

I’m pretty sure I don’t need to cite a study to tell you that chocolate makes people happy. It’s something we’ve probably all witnessed or experienced and it’s not imaginary; there’s actual science to back it up. Research proves that chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that creates feelings of pleasure. It also contains serotonin, which is literally an antidepressant.

Based on all this information, I think it’s safe to say that chocolate consumption is a great way to counter all the stress and headache that comes with living in the madness that is Lagos. It’s best to avoid milk chocolate, as it doesn’t contain cocoa and it mostly processed sugar and milk. 

Stock up on dark chocolate and be happy. You’re welcome!

References:

https://www.organicexcellence.com/blogs/news/amazing-antioxidant-benefits-of-dark-chocolate

https://www.livescience.com/61754-chocolate-facts.html 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate#section2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19056649?dopt=AbstractPlus

https://www.lifetothefullest.abbott/en/articles/dark-chocolate-and-diabetes.html

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/news/a21802/dark-chocolate-skin-benefits/