Go Ahead, Give her Chocolate!

Valentine’s Day is a great time to give the woman (or man) of your life the gift of chocolate and there are several good reasons to do just that! One reason is that dark chocolate (as opposed to milk chocolate) has high levels of special flavonoids—epicatechins—that are not only antioxidants but also act as modulators of hormone-like compounds in the body. These molecules are the reason many scientists feel dark chocolate has more health benefits than red wine, or even green tea.

Additionally, dark chocolate contains a natural compound, called phenylethylamine (PEA), which causes your brain to release endorphins, your body’s natural mood elevators. Chocolate also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which makes serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes positive feelings.

Dark chocolate contains oleic acid, a healthy fatty acid that promotes healthy cholesterol levels.

It is important to notice what kind of chocolate you are sending. White and milk chocolate, for example, not only lack these benefits, they are also full of sugar and bad fats, which will promote weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and inflammation. Dark chocolate is the key.

So go ahead, send dark chocolate this Valentine’s Day, it’s good for the heart!