#diet - Dark chocolate: reasons to be stuck into a bar!

What about eating chocolate with no guilt? Read these scientific benefits and enjoy!* 

*Health note: Aim for chocolate with 70% cocoa solids and no added vegetable fats, and opt for flavourings like nuts and peel rather than caramel and nougat.

1. Chocolate helps you relax, by reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

2. Chocolate enhances concentration by increasing blood flow to certain parts of the brain, boosting alertness and performance for up to three hours.

3. Chocolate can help ward off cancer due to the high levels of the antioxidant polyphenol found in dark chocolate, which can lessen the damage caused by free radicals. 17 glasses of orange juice are necessary to get this same benefits as 50 grams of dark chocolate!

4. Chocolate can act as a cough medicine due to theobromine, which suppresses the activity of the cough-causing vagus nerve as effectively as codeine - but without any of the drowsy side effects.

5. Chocolate can help prevent heart disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as the fact it contains high levels of flavonoids, a super powerful antioxidant.

6. Dark chocolate can stop you from snacking (yes, really!): the high fibre content of dark chocolate makes it more filling and satisfying, meaning you're less likely to crave fatty, calorific foods.

7. Choccy can increase your sun protection, also due to the high levels of flavonoids. It’s no substitute for SPF, but it helps!

8. Chocolate consumption could help control diabetes due to nitric oxide, which helps to control insulin sensitivity. It means that regular dark chocolate munching can cut the onset of insulin resistance by half.

9. Eating chocolate cheers you up by boosting serotonin (the happy hormone) levels in your brain.

10. Chocolate boosts blood flow: the anti-clotting, blood-thinning properties of dark chocolate have been shown to aid circulation and improve blood flow, which can improve the appearance of skin and decrease cellulite.

11. Chocolate can boost your vision because it may also improve blood flow to the retina, helping you to see more clearly.