Dark chocolate has recently been discovered to have a number of healthy benefits. Amazing that something that so many people enjoy eating just for the sweet creamy indulgence can ALSO be good for us! Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your blood pressure. Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function, help prevent strokes, prevent hardening of the arteries as well as protecting us from Type II Diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels. Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health.

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will even make you feel happier! Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging. Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health.

Dark chocolate contains some of the following vitamins and minerals in high concentrations: Potassium, Copper, Magnesium and Iron. The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. It seems like a prudent idea to incorporate moderate amounts of dark chocolate into your healthy diet. Try some Leonidas Dark Chocolates available here at Marky’s, and enjoy guilt-free knowing that you are doing something good for your body.