With Easter around the corner we’ve explored some fun chocolate facts. You can thank us the next time you’re justifying that extra square!
If you love chocolate, you are not alone nine out of ten people do too. The average European consumes 7Kg of chocolate a year and 50% of people claim they cannot live without chocolate every day (us included).
Historically chocolate was the ‘cure all’ medicine for doctors who carried it in their little black bags and making ‘house calls’. Here are 10 ways that chocolate could be good for you:
Dark chocolate contains lots of antioxidants that help the cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure
Eating dark chocolate widens arteries and promotes healthy blood flow that can prevent the build-up of plaque that can block arteries.
Eating dark chocolate every day apparently reduces the risk of heart disease by 1/3.
Chocolate in its raw form is the highest antioxidant food on the planet
Flavonoids found in cocoa products have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting effects that can reduce the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.
Theobromine is a natural ingredient that is a safer alternative as compared to caffeine and is a vasodilator which opens the blood vessels that helps reduce blood pressure and may even help with high cholesterol.
Chocolate has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth and protects against tooth decay
Chocolate can help curb your appetite and has been proven to help you lose weight
The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which trigger relaxation
Cocoa contains a chemical called theobromine that can help the body fight off the symptoms of the common cold
Don’t forget KidStart members will receive up to 4% back on all chocolate purchases from Hotel Chocolat for their kids – what’s not to love! See all the retailers we work with here – from Hotel Chocolat to Cadbury’s and Thorntons!
Of course chocolate consumption doesn’t come without a few possible health risks, but a lethal dose of chocolate for a human being is about 10Kg so you’re unlikely to be in much danger!
Sources
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DeNoon, Daniel. “Dark Chocolate Is Healthy Chocolate.” Accessed April 15, 2014.
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Internet Brands, Inc.. “6 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.” Fit Day. Accessed April 15, 2014.
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Laino, Charlene. “Chocolate Good for the Heart.” WebMD. Accessed April 15, 2014. .
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Mora, RD, Kati. “Food Fight: Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate.” Fitness Magazine. Accessed April 15, 2015. .
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/qi/5878406/QI-quite-interesting-facts-about-chocolate.html
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/892591.stm
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https://www.newscientist.com/article/1919209-persistent-coughs-melt-away-with-chocolate/
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http://mentalfloss.com/article/57507/20-things-you-never-knew-about-chocolate