Glow From The Inside Out With Chocolate

Chocolate is considered a delightful treat for many. Some of us may even have a love-hate relationship with chocolate and wonder why it is something we constantly crave.

There’s something I really love about the whole ritual of enjoying dark chocolate. I usually will make myself a tea or an espresso and savour one or two squares.  I find eating dark chocolate is a process I just cannot rush myself through. 

Luckily, studies show that chocolate is actually a very healthy snack to have. And if you’re eating dark chocolate that has little dairy or sugar in it, there’s no reason you should feel guilty. Some doctors even say you can eat it everyday! So kick that hate part out and stick to loving chocolate in moderation!

Our Love of Chocolate

Chocolate consumption dates back to 2000 BC.  The Maya from Central America drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices or wine. 

Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants. Among the most beneficial is a flavonol called epicatechin. Flavonols are compounds found in plants that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.  The higher the cocoa content, the more beneficial flavonols the chocolate contains. Most of the benefits seen in research are associated with chocolate that has at least a 70% cacao content.

Chocolate is also a source of iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.  

We can also use dark chocolate to reduce stress! 

People who ate dark chocolate reported that they felt less stressed, and researchers confirmed that after eating dark chocolate, there were reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This may be related to dark chocolate’s effects on heart health, and the fact that it lowers blood pressure, since stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Chocolate also induces positive effects on mood as it releases endorphins.  Endorphins interact with brain receptors to trigger positive emotions or feelings in your body, and reduce the perception of pain.  One endorphin chocolate releases is dopamin, which is why some claim chocolate is the food of love and often a gift on Valentine’s day.  

Benefits For The Skin

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that chocolate has several benefits for the skin as well.  Because this delectable treat is so rich in antioxidants and minerals, chocolate can also make a potent and effective skin care ingredient. 

Benefits for the skin include preventing premature aging, fighting acne and increasing circulation for a rosy glow.  

Our favorite products for the skin are Eminence Organics Chocolate Mousse Hydration Mask and the Chocolate Truffle body mask.  

This February we are also offering lots of chocolate in our Cinnamon Rose Facial and Chocolate & Roses manicure and pedicure! 

I think we can safely say that dark chocolate is just plain amazing. 

Here is a recipe created by Kim Ruzycki, Wild Flowers own Integrative Health Coach, for a dark chocolate matcha bark. 

Let us know in the comments if you love chocolate and what your favorite way to enjoy this magical treat is.