The Health Benefits of Chocolate!! --Yes Chocolate!!

So maybe your a chocolate addict and your love for chocolate has given your health and fitness regime grief, but chocolate can be rather beneficial. There are a few caveat to this, first the chocolate has to be dark chocolate and second all good things enjoyed in moderation. If you follow those simple rules than there are various health benefits to enjoy from chocolate:

Reduce Blood Pressure-In a recent study involving women and men with high blood pressure, those who ate 3 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate every day for 15 days experienced a drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Chocolate Lowers Stroke Risk- A 2011 Swedish study found that women who ate more than 45 grams of chocolate a week had a 20% lower risk of stroke than women who treated themselves to fewer than 9 grams of chocolate.

Chocolate Protects Your Skin- Dark chocolate is actually good for your skin, the type of antioxidants called flavonoids found in dark chocolate actually offer some protection from UV damage from the sun. 

Chocolate Boosts Your Mood- Indulging your sweet tooth once in while, help to make you feel GREAT. Enjoying life, and enjoying food, can help to boost your overall mood.

Chocolate Improves Vision- Because chocolate has the ability to improve blood flow, to the brain. A 2011 study concluded that chocolate may also increase blood flow to the retina, thereby giving vision a boost.

So Enjoy the indulgence & health benefits.