2. It is nutritious! and delicious
Bad puns aside 100g of 70% dark chocolate contains:
67% of the RDA for Iron
58% of the RDA for Magnesium
89% of the RDA for Copper
98% of the RDA for Manganese
11g of fibre
Not to mention phosphorus, zinc, selenium and potassium.
3. It will make your skin glow
We wouldn't use melted chocolate for sunscreen but the flavanols in dark chocolate help protect your skin against sunburn as the compounds act as UV filters. Eating chocolate will give you acne and pimples is a myth!
4. It can help you lose weight
We are not joking! This isn't an excuse to indulge in a whole block but neuroscientists say that a single square of chocolate melted on the tongue causes a reduction in appetite! Chocolate is also high in magnesium which reduces water retention. Studies have shown that those who eat chocolate on a regular basis are thinner than those who don't!
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5. It makes you happy
Most of us agree with this point already but it has been scientifically proven that chocolate consumption causes a chemical in our brain (phenylethylamine) to be released which releases feel-good endorphins – a similar feeling to falling in love.
6. It will help you stress less
Chocolate contains valeric acid which is a relaxant that helps with stress and anxiety, additionally sugar has calming effects on the brain - in moderation. It also has high levels of magnesium which also fights stress.
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7. It fights your battles
Well not all of them but dark chocolate in particular contains large amounts of disease-fighting flavenoids and antioxidants.
8. It builds strong bones
In this instance white and milk chocolate are the favoured flavours. These less cocoa rich bars have high levels of dairy. A 50g bar of white chocolate contains 1/6 of your recommended daily intake.
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9. And makes you smarter
The reasons are still going! Dark chocolate improves brain function and memory. It is also low GI which gives you long lasting energy.
This article originally appeared on Women's Health
