Benefits of Chocolate

In a study by Holland's National Institute of Public Health and Environment, chocolate was found to have four times the antioxidants of green tea. Catechins are powerful antioxidants in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. One hundred milligrams of black tea contain 13.9 milligrams of catechins. The same weight of dark chocolate has 53.5 milligrams of catechins. 

Chocolate also provides endorphins, which act like natural opiates in treating chronic pain. Endorphins also bring on a relaxed state of mind, enable more oxygen to reach our inner blood supply and even improve our memory. Seratonin, a neurotransmitter is found in chocolate and works in our body as an anti-depressant. 

Other good things to note about chocolate is that chocolate doesn't cause acne or irritate it. It's also known to contain the vitamins B1, B2, D and E as well as the minerals potassium and magnesium.

I know what you're going to say: What about chocolate and tooth decay? No problem. Researchers found that the cocoa butter in chocolate coats the teeth while it's being consumed making it one of the least likely snacks to cause tooth decay.