There are actually a few reasons you could be craving a big hunk of chocolate besides the fact that it is DELICIOUS!
The first and most obvious of course being that sugar is addicting.
Like actually, I’m not kidding.
Sugar triggers the same pleasure centers in the brain that are also affected by many drugs.
This is the same reason that putting yourself on that new sugar-free diet is often accompanied by a few days of sugar withdraw; headaches, lethargy, etc.
But what if I told you that craving chocolate could not only be your body trying to tell you something but also be good for you?!
Dark chocolate- the superfood!
Dark chocolate, 60% and higher that is, has some badass qualities! I’m sure you’ve heard that it’s full of antioxidants and honestly, that’s reason enough for ya girl over here to not think twice about giving in to my cravings! Yet, there are even more reasons that, on your quest to remove sugar from your diet, you might oughta just let dark chocolate stay!
For starters, a chocolate craving might be your body telling you that you are running low on magnesium! Magnesium is needed for a whole boatload of body processes and dark chocolate is a good source of it. Low levels of this micronutrient can lead to low energy, sleep problems, anxiety or depression, and hormone problems.
But it doesn’t stop there! Dark chocolate is also a good source of, Manganese (anti-inflammatory), Copper (immune and nerve health), and Zinc (growth and development)!
Dark chocolate and your skin!
Let’s talk Flavanols! Flava- what?? This must obviously be some fancy reason why chocolate is so damn good, right?
Wrong!
Flavanol is a particular type of antioxidant that is found in high quantities in dark chocolate. Because of their free-radical fighting properties antioxidants and the foods that contain them are good for your cell health! Protection, regeneration, etc. All the good stuff! Eating Flavanol-rich cocoa can lead to smoother more hydrated skin due to the antioxidant’s ability to protect cells from harmful UV rays.
Chocoholic Disclaimer!
Okay, Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have written this post at all… because let’s be real, another excuse to eat chocolate is the last thing any of us need… However, a reason to swap sugary, processed milk chocolate for dark chocolate is something your body will thank you for!
Just to be clear, though, milk chocolate does not have all these awesome benefits and will do nothing for you but fuel your sugar addiction! (ouch, maybe that was too harsh?)
And, of course, remember all in moderation! Dark chocolate still has its fair share of sugar, so don’t get carried away!
P.S. Justin’s Hazelnut butter is not technically dark chocolate over 60% but it's seriously the best and with considerably less sugar than the other guys, I have to make room to rave about it! Bark thins are actually to die for, and Theo is possibly the love of my life? Pretty sure the feeling is mutual.
What are your favorite ways to satisfy your chocolate cravings?? Tell me in the comments below!
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