Enjoy Your Valentine's Chocolate - 7 Reasons It's Good For You

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People have been told many times to stay away from sugar and fat because they do more harm than good to the health. One good source of both is chocolate. It has been told by some experts that, although chocolate is packed with sugar and fat, it has its health benefits.

This only gives us more reason to eat more of this all-time favorite treats. Here are 7 health benefits of chocolate.

It improves the health of the heart.

According to Rodale's Organic Life, the saturated fat found in chocolate is actually good for the health. It contains stearic acid, which will be converted by the liver into oleic acid once consumed. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat, which can lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL in the process.

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants.

Authority Nutrition stated that, dark chocolate is packed with special organic combinations such as flavanols, catechins, polyphenols, etc. These compounds actually function as antioxidants. According to the website, dark chocolate even has more antioxidants than blueberries and Acai berries, which are widely known to be very nutritious.

It is healthy for the skin.

The organic compound flavonols found in dark chocolate can improve damage cells caused by the extreme heat of the sun. So, if you plan on going sunbathing in some tropical paradise during summer, you may want to bring along dark chocolates to help heal those damage skin cells.

Chocolate is very nutritious.

Cocoa is known to be a good source of potassium, fiber, selenium, zinc and few other minerals. Although it has its own health benefits, chocolates are effective when consumed in moderation. Consuming more than enough may increase body weight since it also has a substantial amount of calories.

It is good for your fitness program.

The calories found in chocolate are a good source of energy, which is important if you like killing yourself at the gym. The antioxidants such as catechins and epicatechins from chocolate are said to add 30 percent more of energy when consumed regularly.

Chocolate can also reduce stress.

According to Rodale's Organic Life, a study has confirmed that chocolate decreases cortisol level, which in the process relieves anxiety.

It improves the health of your teeth.

It appears that what we have been taught as a kid that chocolates are the reason why a person's teeth rot is a hoax. A study that was conducted involving Indian children found that mouthwash that is made from cocoa can kill the bacteria inside your mouth and will help reduce plaque.