Collaborative Post
Chocolate is a treat that many parts of the world are completely taken by. Not only is it delicious, but it is also versatile.
However, chocolate, especially over-processed, gets a bad name when moderation is key in reality. Unless you have diabetes or have good reason to steer clear of chocolate, there is little need to hesitate when reaching for that chocolate bar.
This article is going to take a look at why exactly you should eat more and what benefits it can bring. Let’s get into it!
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It Will Not Prevent You from Losing Weight
One of the main reasons people swear off chocolate is because they feel that if they even look at a bar, they will gain a lot of weight. First and foremost, this is not true. If you are losing weight for your health and are concerned that having more will prevent you from losing weight, you can rest assured that it will not, along with anything else you like.
The key to sustained weight loss will always be an energy deficit, so as long as you are exerting more energy than you are consuming (and you do not have an underlying health condition), you will continue to see a decrease.
You might be surprised to learn that a little bit of chocolate every day can actually encourage your weight loss goals and help keep you on track!
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It Releases Feel-Good Hormones
If there is one thing that you do not have enough of right now, it is definitely feel-good hormones! While the world feels as if it is in constant chaos with bad news readily at your fingertips, it is here for you and can give you a moment of joy.
Chocolate helps encourage the release of serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, and dopamine, which is known as a pleasure hormone. However, some chocolates are “better” for you than others. The darker and purer the chocolate (sweet spot around 70% to 80% cocoa), the more benefits you reap.
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Chocolate is Delicious and Varied
If you find chocolate delicious, then you are not alone. Did you know that the global chocolate consumption on average is around 7.2 million metric tons?! And while the industry has already exploded, it will continue to grow and create.
Trying different chocolates is not just reserved for Miss Honey in Matilda. You can have your very own virtual chocolate tasting in the comfort of your own home. This can be a good activity to do with family or friends, or if you just want a date night with yourself, you get to try some unique chocolates you cannot get at your local store.
Along with the aforementioned, it can offer some excellent health benefits, which alone is enough reason to break out the sweet treats. High-quality chocolate with a high cocoa percentage is a great choice, but a bit of any other chocolate is good for the soul too.