There are hundreds of natural chemicals in chocolate, and they affect our brain by releasing neurotransmitters. These can affect our feelings and make us feel happy. The raw, unprocessed beans of the cacao tree are one of the so-called “superfoods,” so they fall into the same category as the humble broccoli florets that so many kids hate.

Cocoa beans contain more powerful antioxidants than can be found in green tea or red wine. Antioxidants are, quite simply, compounds, either man-made or, in this case, natural, that work to prevent or delay oxidation and thus help fight the aging process and free radicals in the body, which can cause cancer.

Researchers believe that the antioxidants found in cocoa beans may help reduce the risks of stroke, lower blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as prevent or at least delay prostate cancer.

Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate is better for our health because it contains more cocoa bean than white chocolate. Researchers believe that the flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate the endothelium (the lining of the arteries), thereby producing nitric oxide (NO3). This, in turn, transmits messages to the arteries, telling them to relax, thus lowering blood pressure.

A hundred gram bar of dark chocolate containing 70-85% cocoa has several minerals, including selenium, which is a proven mood enhancer. It has 98% of the RDA for manganese, 67% of the RDA for iron, 58% of the RDA for magnesium, 89% of the RDA for copper, and a whopping 98% manganese. It also has zinc, phosphorus and potassium. In other words, dark chocolate is good for us! Another point in favor is that it contains less sugar than milk chocolate.

Caffeine and theobromine are also found in dark chocolate, but small amounts of these stimulants are highly unlikely to keep you up at night! You can’t compare eating dark chocolate to drinking caffeinated coffee.

What is the connection between chocolate and happiness? Well, if you’ve never experienced the pleasurable feeling you get when you eat chocolate, maybe you should try eating a small amount of dark chocolate. The smooth texture and delicious taste, along with the feeling of well-being you get, will probably make you a complete fan of chocolate!

To make you feel better when you’re down, nothing beats chocolate!