As if you need a reason to eat chocolate, Of course you don’t. But just in case youin doubt whether to let yourself go or not, here’s five (!) reasons why you should eat more of the stuff

1. It’s good for the heart

Chocolate eaters have a lower risk of heart diseases. A recent study found that dark version helps restore flexibility to arteries while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels – both common causes of artery clogging. Especially very go because it battles inflammation, which also helps reduce cardiovascular risks.

2. It can help you lose weight

It can help you lose weight. Really. Neuroscientist Will Clower says a small square of good choc melted on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal triggers the hormones in the brain that say “I’m full”, cutting the amount of food you subsequently consume. Finishing a meal with the same small trigger could reduce subsequent snacking. So what’s stopping you?

3. It protects your skin

While milk choc can make your skin break out, dark choc is known to improve your skin condition. The Dark version contains anti-oxidants, which relieve your skin from impurities. The flavanols also can protect the skin against sun damage Though you’d probably better still slap on some good spf- cream.

4. It boosts your energy and mood

As a chocolate lover I would also add that certain kinds can be good for the soul. Allowing yourself a chocolate every once in a while can lift your mood. You feel less stressed and let’s all agree – eating chocolate certainly has a happiness factor!

5. It makes you smarter

Al right, this one may be a stretch, but dark or high-flavanol chocolate improves blood flow and as such acts as a stimulant to the brain. It may improve brain function short term (like caffeine does) but still, it does the work! Flavanols are thought to reduce memory loss in older people, and the anti-inflamatory qualities of dark chocolate have been found beneficial in treating brain injuries such as concussion.

So, the bottom line here is that eating dark chocolate is good for your memory, blood pressure, and your mood. It helps alleviate depression and also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which means that it is good for your brain. And if it is good for your brain…it is good for you.

Enjoy chocolate during the holiday season… Thanksgiving and Christmas…just make sure it is dark choc that you’re consuming. 

The above may or may not be scientifically proven. Point is – the stuff isn’t all that bad. Just be mindful of how much you eat.

But if you find yourself doubting, don’t forget that eating chocolate has benefits as well.