7 Suprising Skin & Health Benefits of Chocolate

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Once considered to be food of the gods, chocolate is more than just a great-tasting treat. It is made from the seed of cocoa tree and is one of the richest sources for antioxidants.

Chocolate can be good for you just as long as you do not go overboard. The sweetness found in chocolate is due to its mixture with milk, sugar, and butter which makes this popular food product high in fat and sugar content, according to Women's Health Magazine. Limit consumption to seven ounces a week, so you can get its full health benefits.

1.) Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants

Chocolate, especially the darker kind, is full of antioxidant flavanols including catechins, procyanidins, and epicatechins. These flavonoids can help lower the risk of certain diseases such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, lung cancer, and prostate cancer, according to Prevention.com. The antioxidant properties of chocolate allows it to help refine the skin by improving blood flow, fighting wrinkles, and protecting it from UV damage, notes You Beauty.

2.) Chocolate Can Improve Brain Function

Eating chocolate can help improve the brain function because it increases blood flow, thereby increasing brain performance as well as giving alertness a short-term boost. In a study by Professor Ian Macdonald published in Science Daily, the flavonols in the cocoa can also help fight fatigue and sleep deprivation.

3.) Chocolate Can Protect Your Skin From Sunburn and Skin Cancer

According to Everyday Health, chocolate contains phenols and catechins which are antioxidants responsible for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. If you are looking to spend the day under the sun while on vacation, consider loading up on chocolate a few weeks or days beforehand as additional protection.

4.) Chocolate Can Lower Cholesterol and Blood Sugar

A research found in Natural News reports that dark chocolate can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. In the study, the researchers found that those who ate 50 grams of dark chocolate per day had higher levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. LDL is believed to be the culprit in the hardening of arteries that can cause cardiovascular diseases.

5.) Chocolate Can Help Cure Anemia

Anemic people rejoice! According to an article published in Live Strong, chocolate can help cure mild-cases of iron-deficiency. Chocolate is full of minerals like iron. A regular bar of dark chocolate contains 6.9 percent of the recommended daily allowance for iron. In addition, the flavonols can regulate blood circulation.

6.) Chocolate Can Prevent Obesity and Diabetes

Oligomeric procyandins are the key ingredients in chocolate that can help prevent weight gain and lower blood glucose levels, according to Medical News Today.

7.) Chocolate is Great Skin Food

The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in chocolate offer many skin benefits which is why it is used in many skin care products. According to Skin Care News, chocolate can prevent signs of aging by fighting off wrinkles and discoloration and offer natural UV protection.