A bit of chocolate is good for the soul, and good for your body, too. In moderation, of course!

The cacao bean, first cultivated and used by the Olmec people, who lived in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico, and some time after by the Mayans and Aztecs, has been used in dozens of ways, including medicinal.

Chocolate, as we know it today, took a few centuries to evolve into the sweet, delicious, to die for treat that we all know and love. Besides its cocoa-ey, creamy taste, chocolate really does make you feel good. It's not just your imagination!
Here are jut a few of the 300 agents found in chocolate that help bring you those yummy, feel good vibes:

Seratonin - Acts as an antidepressant

Phenylethylamine - A mild mood elevator

Theobromine - A stimulant, related to caffeine, but giving a calmer, more relaxed after effect

Oleic acid - A monounsaturated fat, which can raise good cholesterol

Potassium

Magnesium

Vitamins B1, B2, D and E

Antioxidants

Flavanoids - Help keep blood vessels elastic

Bet you didn't know that....

The smell of chocolate can increase theta brain waves, thereby relaxing you

Cacao contains antibacterial agents that can help prevent tooth decay

Drinking hot chocolate before a meal can lessen your appetite

Men who eat chocolate live a bit longer than those who don't

So, the next time you're feeling the need to have a bite or two of chocolate, go ahead and have it! It's not as bad as you've been led to believe. Unless you consume it in excess, of course. While chocolate does have many positive things going for it, you can't forget the high sugar content in most chocolate confections. That's where all the calories come from. You also should opt for the dark chocolate as opposed to milk chocolate, because that's the type with all those health benefits mentioned above.

So, indulge, but only on occasion. Who doesn't need to feel a little good every now and then? Keep it to a minimum, and you can feel good AND look good, darling!



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