We all have a sweet tooth, that is fact. Unfortunately, chocolate is one of the most craved foods that people are told they should not eat. Well, we’ve flipped that nonsense over and have found plenty of reasons you NEED chocolate. For starters, chocolate… well how about we list them out so you can savor each reason.

Reason #10 Improved skin

Chocolate contains flavonoids, which helps limit oxidative damage. Studies have shown that the flavonoids in chocolate can help increase skin thickness. This is a good thing because it helped protect the skin from UV radiation. It can also improve the skin’s hydration and complexion!

Reason #9 Improved blood flow

This is due to polyphenols, which help speed up blood flow in the cerebral arteries. The antioxidants in cocoa trigger the walls of your blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. This means better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to every cell.

Reason #8 Lowered risk of diabetes

Chocolate helps increase insulin sensitivity. This means the body becomes less insulin resistant which is a cause of diabetes. The key is eating dark chocolate.

Reason #7 Controls coughing

Apparently chocolate is the new cough drop! Theobromine, a chemical component in chocolate, reduces vagus nerve activity. The vagus nerve is the part of the brain that triggers coughing fits.

Reason #6 Increases lifespan

The oldest person, Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to 122, ate nearly 2 and a half pounds of dark chocolate per week! Research has shown that eating dark chocolate increases your lifespan by 2 years.

Reason #5 Reduced risk for stroke

A study found that eating 2 bars of dark chocolate per week reduced stroke risk by up to 20%. This study was conducted with women, but does prove chocolates’ amazing benefits. Scientists attributed this to the flavonoid content in chocolate.

Reason #4 Prevents blood clots

Studies have shown that chocolate has the ability to thin blood similar to aspirin. They are unsure why, but believe it may be due to flavonoids. This was found effective with as little as 2 tablespoons of chocolate per day.

Reason #3 Lowered risk of heart disease

Flavonoids to the rescue again! With their oxidative protection, this not only helps protect the outside of the body but inside as well. Flavonoids protect the body from free radical damage which tend to wreak havoc on the heart. By protecting the cells of the body, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Reason #2 May reduce cancer risk

Cocoa contains polyphenols which are linked to a reduced risk of cancer, specifically colorectal cancer. Cocoa has the ability to disrupt cancer cells ability to spread.

Reason #1 Improves mood

Chocolate’s number one health benefit is an improvement on mood! With all of the stresses of life, we can all use a little mood elevation and relaxation. Dark chocolate helps boost serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate appetite, arousal and mood.

Focus on dark chocolate varieties with 65% or more of cocoa. The benefits of chocolate are disrupted when chocolate is consumed with milk. Be sure to enjoy your chocolate by itself, and wash it down with water if you need fluids. With Halloween just around the corner, well, let’s just say, you’re welcome!