So many of us think of chocolate as a guilty pleasure… But why do we think this way? Probably because chocolate is delicious, and aren’t delicious things usually bad for us? Well, you may have heard somewhere that chocolate could offer some benefits, so let’s set the record straight: chocolate packs a powerful punch of mood-boosting, energizing goodness!

Mood-Boosting

Chocolate has two important chemicals in it that naturally give you a mood boost: dopamine and serotonin. These are already in your brain, controlling feelings of pleasure, so when they get an extra spark from chocolate, your brain produces more of these good feelings. They’re also natural painkillers, which leads me to think that chocolate may, in fact, be the best medicine!

Even the smell of chocolate can make you feel good. The smell promotes relaxation, again by triggering certain activity in the brain, which is great if you’re feeling anxious or stressed.

Another chemical that chocolate contains is called phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical released in the body when you fall in love. So, yes, chocolate IS love!

Energizing

Even while the smell of chocolate promotes relaxation, eating chocolate can also reenergize you. Did you know chocolate contains caffeine? It may not have the same effect as a cup of coffee, but it’s a natural way to give yourself a little boost!

Chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, which help to keep you healthy. Often exhaustion is the result of not eating the right foods or getting enough vitamins, so eating foods rich in antioxidants can help keep your energy up.

Conclusion

Sure, no one can pretend that eating excessive sugar is good for you, but not all chocolate has to be filled with sugar. And look at all the amazing ways it can benefit you! Go ahead, enjoy your chocolate—I know I will!