In a Dark Mood? Get yourself some Dark Chocolate! 9 reasons why!
With all the Heavy Dark Energy that we have been presented with in 2020 you may have been feeling depressed, have higher anxiety or have lower energy levels than normal. As we know even getting an appointment with your GP right now is almost impossible, so getting diagnosed or being written a prescription is just as hard!! If you were to be lucky enough to get an appointment and were prescribed Anti Depressant medications we know they can have severe side effects which can even include making your depression worse, especially when taken in conjunction with other medications.
There is however, a very tasty alternative to medication that could be the answer and is certainly worth a try before trying out stronger alternatives...and that alternative is Dark Chocolate!
9 reasons to eat Dark Chocolate - 75% and above Cocoa :
1. Dark Chocolate is proven to be helpful to boost mood and to soothe the mind!
2. Dark chocolate has all the properties that are linked to the antidepressant effects of tryptophan, serotonin and phenethylamine.
3. Dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate endorphins, the same compounds that are released after you exercise or laugh.
4. Dark Chocolate improves brain function. Research has proven that Gamma waves recorded by an electroencephalogram (EEG) suggested the treat could positively impact brain function, such as cognitive function and creativity, even two hours after eating it.
5. Dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of clinical depression. People who ate dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods had 70% reduced odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who did not eat chocolate.
6. Dark Chocolate improves bloodflow which increases energy levels!
7. Dark chocolate, like wine, fruit, and coffee, contains powerful antioxidants. These molecules fight against free radicals, decreasing your risk of cancer.
8. Dark Chocolate could actually help to prevent diabetes, unlike some sugary options that can increase your risk. According to a study from the University of Maine, people who eat dark chocolate at least once a week had a lower prevalence of diabetes and a significantly lower risk four to five years later.
9. Dark Chocolate is high in Flavonoids, a plant-based antioxidant and have anti-viral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant benefits. The antioxidant properties of flavonoids are what stimulates health benefits from chocolate, such as helping with blood flow and decreasing cholesterol. Cocoa contains two types of flavonoids, flavanols and flavonols. Flavanols, the prominent type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate, are the source of the antioxidant qualities.
For the most benefit you should aim to eat at 45-50g of Dark Chocolate every day and the higher the Cocoa content the lower the sugar ratio!
I found this Fairtrade 95% Cocao chocolate bar from JD Gross in Lidl and it has an extremely low sugar content at only 0.3g per square eaten. It is extremely bitter though I must say, and the 85% version with 1.6g of sugar per square is far more palatable! I am not affiliated with JD Gross and I am sure there are other bars out there, but this is highest Cocoa I have personally found after searching many shops!
Chocolate is one of many foods that you might not realize contain caffeine. For this reason, it’s probably not a good idea to indulge before bed, but is best to eat maybe in the afternoon to beat that mid afternoon natural slump in energy that occurs due to the Circadian Rhythm.
I hope you enjoy munching this tasty health boosting alternative to medication and maybe, just maybe it can assist in boosting your mood among other things! Namaha, Lisa x
