Dark chocolate, not Milky Way or Mars bars, but real chocolate, 80/20 cacao, has many health benefits. As long as you don’t overeat, it is good for your heart and brain health. Dark chocolate is an anti-inflammatory and may protect you from heart disease, certain types of cancer, and brain-related diseases, like Alzheimer’s. It may also boost your mood.
The properties in dark chocolate that boost nutrition are Theobromine. It is a stimulant found in cacao that increases energy and alertness. It is less stimulating than coffee but gives you an uplifted mood. The caffeine found in cacao boosts alertness and improves mood by increasing dopamine.
Phenylethylamine, known as the “love chemical”, gives the feeling of love by increasing the release of endorphins and mimicking the feeling of pleasure. Anandamide is known as the “bliss molecule” and temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression.
Flavonoids found in dark chocolate improve blood flow to the brain and improve mental health. Magnesium, a natural element found in dark chocolate, promotes sleep and helps decrease anxiety.
The best time to eat dark chocolate depends on your needs. For instance, to boost your mental energy and focus, eat between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The small amount of caffeine and Theobromine can improve alertness without the coffee jitters.
Do you have afternoon cravings for sweets, or a drop in your mood? If so, eating dark chocolate in the afternoon, between 2 pm and 4 pm, may be the best option. Dark chocolate at this time can satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your mood without causing a blood sugar crash. Add a protein source, such as almonds, to stay fuller for longer. Eating dark chocolate before 4 pm will not interfere with sleep.
Dark chocolate has minimal caffeine, but if you have issues with sleeping, it may cause sleep disturbance. Eating dark chocolate late in the evening may lead to late-night cravings or increased snacking at night. If you have no problems with sleep, eating dark chocolate after dinner could be beneficial to your brain health.
Eating dark chocolate can help lower cholesterol, improve brain health, boost your mood, reduce inflammation, and reduce stress. The time you choose to eat dark chocolate depends on your nutrition and goals. Make it what you need it to be. The time depends on your needs.
The best part is that dark chocolate made from cacao has multiple health benefits and tastes oh so good!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings ❤️
