The surprising benefits of eating chocolate

As a chocolate lover, you don’t need anyone to tell you to eat more chocolate. It’s a pleasure during moments of stress and the perfect way to end a long day. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to hear that chocolate is a good-for-you indulgence. And that’s what we’re here for.

Some people hide their chocolate addiction in shame. Surely your devotion to this sweet treat is a weakness and not a strength. But try telling that to some of the researchers who have spent time tracking what chocolate does to the people who eat it. They’ve seen positive effects on everything from the mind to the functioning of the body. Let’s go over some of the benefits you can tell yourself the next time you’re unwrapping a bar.

Have a calmer mind.

In times of stress, your brain is on overload. The stress hormones in your body are rampant as it tries to defend you from the life-and-death situation it thinks you’re having. This chemical imbalance can be treated with a square of dark chocolate. Yes, you heard that right. Dark chocolate can reduce the levels of cortisol in your brain so you can achieve a calmer state of consciousness.

Strengthen your heart.

It’s no exaggeration that your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. Apart from what Valentine’s Day may have you believe, its purpose isn’t just to beat really fast if you see someone you like. It actually provides essential functions by pumping oxygen throughout your body and getting rid of waste.

We can deteriorate the strength of our heart with poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and natural aging. And while dark chocolate is no panacea for all that ails you, it has been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. Considering those are some of the causes behind major cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease and stroke, that’s no joke.

Get your vitamins.

Dark chocolate has a world of nutrients in every bar. The darker your chocolate is, the more vitamins you’ll get from it. That’s because cocoa beans are loaded with fiber, manganese, potassium, and other essential minerals that you need to be consuming every day.

Soak up the sun.

You probably already know that too much sun is not good for your skin. Too much ultraviolet radiation can cause you to age quicker and increase your risk of skin cancer. The sun is no joke. But dark chocolate can be another tool in your tool belt. Regular moderate consumption helps to protect against skin damage and increases hydration. Don’t take that as a reason to drop the suntan lotion, because it won’t replace your normal regimen. But it’s a promising addition to your routine.

Use your noodle.

We’ve already seen that dark chocolate has an effect on the emotional side of our brain, but there’s also potential improvement for the thinking side of our brain. Cocoa can increase blood flow in our brains, which means more oxygen. Without oxygen, your brain wouldn’t be able to create energy and would eventually die. Clearly, more oxygen is better. So, thank dark chocolate on those days that you feel extra sharp.


Dark chocolate is a delicious treat that people have been fawning over since we cracked open the first cocoa pod. And as good as it tastes, it’s even better knowing your body is thanking you for it. Just a small amount of chocolate every day can make a world of difference!