Dark chocolate contains 13,120 per 100 grams of antioxidants. This is higher than both red wine and green tea. Chocolate also contains potassium and magnesium and other vitamins such as B1, B2, D, and E.

University of Helsinki researchers found in a study of 300 women, babies born to women who ate chocolate daily during their pregnancy were more active, smiled, laughed and showed less fear of new situations. The study does not prove a definitive link between chocolate and happier infants. The chemicals in chocolate that produce a positive mood may be passed onto the fetus in the mood.

sore throat

An ingredient of chocolate called theobromine, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent coughs than the leading medicine codeine. Theobromine works by suppressing vagus nerve activity, which is responsible for causing coughing. The hot chocolate is recommended as dark and less sweet. The hot chocolate produces fewer side effects than conventional treatment - and would not leave people drowsy.

depression

Modest amounts of chocolate and darker chocolate can give a real lift to someone who is feeling depressed as chocolate contains chemicals Tryptophan, phenylethylamine and anandamide. Tryptophan is a chemical that the brain uses to make a neurotransmitter called serotonin. High levels of serotonin can produce feelings of elation. Phenylethylamine works by acting on high levels of this neurotransmitter help promote feelings of euphoria. Phenylethylamine stimulatings the brain's pleasure centers and reaches peak levels during orgasm. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that targets the same brain structures as THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.

heart

Chocolate contains large quantities of flavonoids. Flavonoids prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from oxidizing and clogging the arteries, and make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause clots. Flavonoids also help the body process nitric oxide, a compound critical for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. B lood platelets responded to a flavonoids in preventing platelets from sticking together or clotting impeding blood flow.

aging

Polyphenols found in chocolate neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radicals are aggressive waste products from biochemical reactions that occur in our blood and body cells. These free radicals attack our cells and can destroy the vitamins in our bodies. This can benefit you both by eating and topical. Have you tried a chocolate mask lately? Look in our recipe section for more.

acne

Several studies over three decades have failed to show the link between chocolate and acne. Acne is caused by:

• Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating