9 health benefits of dark chocolate

Chocolate contains several compounds that are linked to good health and potential 'aphrodisiac' effects.

1. Dark chocolate is good for the brain

Dark chocolate affects the brain's function, thereby sharpening mental function, enhancing cognition and is excellent mood booster.

Courtesy: Gud2Eat.com

2. Mental focus

Dark chocolate boosts blood flow to key areas of the brain that may help enhance mental performance in tasks that require an alert mind. Dark chocolate also increases brain chemicals that help you stay focussed and alert.

3. Effective stress buster

Just a piece of dark chocolate can reduce stress levels as it contains tryptophan an amino acid that boosts serotonin levels a neuro-transmitter that stimulates the production of endorphin that gives rise to a happy feelings. Dark chocolate also contains theobromine and caffeine that are major stimulants.

4. Improves your mood

Dark chocolate stimulates the production endorphins in the brain that bring on feelings of good mood or pleasure. It also contains the chemical serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.

5. Phenethylamine in dark chocolate

Chocolate also contains Phenethylamine, which triggers the release of pleasurable endorphins and controls the action of dopamine, a neurochemical linked with sexual arousal and pleasure.

6. Anandamide in dark chocolate

Anandamide is a substance found in chocolate that produces feelings of elation and exhilaration. Chocolate is rich in theobromine a substance that helps elevate your mood.

7. Tryptophan in dark chocolate

Chocolate contains tryptophan that boosts brain levels of serotonin which controls your mood. High levels of serotonin mean you will feel good and will be in a better mood and low levels of serotonin are linked with depression.

8. Good for women

Women during PMS and menstruation have low levels of serotonin and will benefit from eating a couple of pieces of chocolate a day during that period.

9. Anti-depressant

Just a piece of dark chocolate can be an effective anti-depressant as it contains tryptophan an amino acid that boosts serotonin levels a neurotransmitter that stimulates the production of endorphin that gives rise to a happy feelings.