WPSU’s Health Minute is a collaboration with Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, has many health benefits.
Chocolate has high levels of flavonoids. These compounds can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve the functioning of the coronary artery and prevent blood clots.
Dark chocolate is the healthiest. It has little sugar. Its fat comes from cocoa butter. And it contains iron and magnesium. The higher the cocoa content, the more benefits there are. But read the package label, as some dark chocolate may contain high levels of sugar.
So why do we crave chocolate when we’re stressed? Chocolate significantly reduces theta activity in the brain, which produces relaxation. So have some dark chocolate and relax.
