1. It’s a Mood Booster

Chocolate is a mood booster, which may be why it’s one of our favorite things to consume when PMS hits. It helps your mood by boosting your serotonin level naturally. Serotonin is a feel good chemical in our brain that we all need. It’s also a chemical that can be boosted by medication. So you can almost think of chocolate as an anti-depressant produce by nature.

2. It’s Good for Your Heart

Dark chocolate is great for your heart. It has wonderful antioxidants in it that your heart needs. It also helps prevent arteries from clogging up. However, I have to mention that a little chocolate can go a long way. 2 ounces daily is plenty enough to give your body all these benefits and more so you can’t use these reasons as an excuse to binge on chocolate.

3. It Helps Your Memory

As you age, you begin to notice that your memory isn’t what it used to be. Sometimes you just need a little boost. Chocolate gives you that because of the caffeine content in it. It can also reduce memory loss on a long term basis. Those’re very motivating reasons to enjoy this favorite treat!

4. It Fights Anemia

Did you know dark chocolate is a good source of iron? I didn’t until I began doing some research for this article. If you struggle with low iron then reach for a dark chocolate bar. While it’s certainly not as good for you as liver, it can help. It also has other minerals in it that your body needs.

5. It Can Offer Protection against Skin Cancer

It’s important to stress that you should always wear sunscreen when you’re going to be outdoors, no matter how often you have chocolate. Dark chocolate can help give you protection against skin cancer but it can never replace your trusty old bottle of SPF. The flavonols in chocolate are the magic little substance that offers you help with the sun. They also help your body to age more slowly. We all want that, right?

6. It Can Help You Weigh Less

Most women want to maintain a trim, healthy figure. While you don’t need to be a size 0, keeping your BMI in the healthy range is a good goal. Chocolate can actually make that easier for you to accomplish. It’s such a satisfying treat. It only takes a small amount to satiate your taste buds.

7. It’s Comfort Food, Plain and Simple

Lastly, chocolate is good for your mental health. It just makes you feel good. Don’t you think the world seems a little brighter after indulging in your favorite chocolate treat? I do. In fact, I wouldn’t want to imagine a world where I couldn’t get my favorite dark chocolate truffles!

These’re 7 different ways that chocolate can give you positive health effects. What’s your favorite way to enjoy chocolate? I can’t wait to hear from you!