by Katarzyna Radzka

Created on: June 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Chocolate is good for you. That's the latest news and fantastic news for chocolate lovers. Don't cut it out of your diet completely because the dark stuff has lots of health benefits and can be included in your daily nutrition plan. In moderation of course. Chocolate contains lots of flavonoids that act as antioxidants and have a similar effect to the stuff found in dark leafy vegetables, tea and red wine.

Chocolate has been around for ages, dating back to the 7th century where cocoa beans were used as currency. Around the 15th century cocoa was drunk by males and was known as a special drink reserved only for them. At one point it was known as 'the drink of the gods' that imparted wisdom and knowledge. Since than, chocolate has become a part of our daily consumption. Today's chocolate industry reaches the $50b mark. That's a lot of chocolate so it's great to know that there are some health benefits in store.

Chocolate is known to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in people with heart problems. One small chocolate bar a day can do the trick. Eating the dark stuff is better than milk chocolate and white chocolate which doesn't have the same health benefits. Now you have more reason to indulge in a small piece every now and again.

Chocolate makes you feel good. If you lead a stressful and busy life, it's nice to have a treat at the end of the day that will put a smile on your face. It's worth having a piece for the feel good factor. This feel good factor comes from the production of endorphins in your brain which chocolate stimulates.

Chocolate contains lots of vitamins and minerals required in our daily diet, primarily the dark stuff with 70% cocoa or more. It includes vitamins such as B1, C, D and E, as well as nutrients like iron, potassium and magnesium required for our well-being.

Chocolate is a fantastic choice for women suffering from PMS, with it's feel good factor and endorphins stimulation, eating chocolate during the time of the month or before is a great way to limit mood swings. It's the dark stuff that has the best effects.

Even dieters can enjoy a little bit of chocolate at the end of the day. If you eat well and healthy at every meal, than having a small piece of dark chocolate, 70% cocoa or more, you won't be damaging your dieting efforts but providing your body with a treat that will prevent you from binging, and giving your body some of the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy.

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