Eat chocolate. It’s good for you

When we want comfort (and oh, boy, do we all need some comfort in our lives), we think chocolate. A naughty, calorie-rich indulgence? Or a treat with benefits? Actually, depending on the chocolate you choose, the latter is correct. The darker the chocolate, the more the benefits. So what are they?

Heart health. Studies have shown that people who eat up to 100g of chocolate a day are 11 per cent less likely to have a heart attack, a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant found in chocolate, can help stimulate blood flow, and lower your blood pressure. 

Boost your brain function. Chocolate is a natural source of magnesium, which is essential for brain health, and also includes caffeine. Both can help boost concentration and alertness.

It slows the signs of ageing. An antioxidant in chocolate, epicatechin, has proved to be effective in protecting the brain against the build-up of proteins that hinder normal brain function and can cause dementia. Another antioxidant, polyphenols, can also rid the body of free radicals which can cause age-related arthritis.

It aids in digestion. The magnesium found in chocolate is good for the digestive system. It relaxes the large and small intestines, allowing food to move through the digestive system more easily. A study has also showed that when cocoa is consumed daily it increases the stomach’s good bacteria.

It’s mood boosting (we knew that). Cocoa polyphenols in chocolate aid in boosting the moods of those who eat it. Participants in a study were both calmer and happier after eating chocolate.

Chocolate with all health benefits … and none of the guilt. If the added sugar in the chocolate bar is removed, the benefits remain the same. Hello Canderel’s 0% Simply Dark. No extra sugar equals no extra calories. If you must have the milk version (which apparently also has the same benefits, just to a lesser extent), there’s also a 0% Magic Bubble aerated chocolate and a 0% Fruit and Nut slab, as well as lovely little 30g bars – dark and minty, wafer, and gorgeous milk. We’ve tried them all … and it’s true. We’re calm, and much happier.  Details: Canderel on Facebook and Instagram.