5 Reasons why you need to eat chocolate!

Theobroma Cacao. What? I’m talking the seduction of chocolate. Why you should be eating it and what you should be looking for in your chocolate.  Theobroma comes from the greek words Theo meaning ‘god’ and broma meaning ‘food’. Which translates to ‘food of the gods’.  How very  fitting.

A few years ago I read a great book called Bitter Chocolate: Investigating the Dark Side of the World’s Most Seductive Sweet. If you want to learn more about the history of chocolate, the big companies that are involved and the chocolate industry is this a fascinating and disgusting look at the industry.

Here are some interesting facts about chocolate:

• Over 70% of the worlds chocolate comes from the Ivory Coast and Ghana in West Africa.
• It takes approx 400 cacao beans to make one pound (450g) of chocolate
• M&M’s were invented in 1941 for soldiers to enjoy without it melting.
• The average chocolate bar contains 8 insect parts – well, we can say it’s got some protein in it!!
• And apparently there’s a pill that makes farts smell like chocolate, hmmm I know a few people I could give that to!

So, why should you be eating chocolate. There are many health benefits to a good quality dark chocolate.  And that’s the key. You want the chocolate to be dark, at least 70%, organic and fair trade.  These are all qualities I look for in my chocolate.

Here are just 5 quick benefits of chocolate

Reason #1 – Heart Heath

Organic dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol

Reason #2 – Prevents Diabetes

Dark chocolate has been shown to inhibit blood sugar issues to help prevent diabetes and obesity.

Reason #3 – Eases PMS

Because dark chocolate contains magnesium it’s great for relaxing muscle cramps.  It’s probably one of the reasons women crave chocolate around that special time of  month.

Reason #4 – Anti-Depressant

Dark chocolate contains serotonin and stimulates endorphin production.  How could anyone feel depressed when eating chocolate!

Reason #5 – Reduces Stress

Eating just 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate a day can help reduce stress levels.

Want to try a unique chocolate treat, try my Chocolate Avocado Pudding, it’s quick and easy to make and tastes divine!