Yes it’s tasty, but did you know this sweet treat packs a powerful health punch, too? Our experts unwrap the truth
***UNIVERSITY OF MURCIA, SPAIN. ****AVERAGE TIME BASED ON AN ADULT WEIGHING 10ST. MAIN PHOTO: GETTY
Whether you’re on a diet or simply trying to be healthier, Easter can feel like the ultimate test of willpower. In fact, 40% of Brits are self-confessed chocoholics*. But while chocolate often gets a bad rap, it’s not the sin it’s made out to be – in fact, studies show it can improve a variety of functions, such as boosting heart health and even protecting your skin from the spring sunshine. So, ditch the guilt and enjoy these benefits.
1 FIXES A TICKLY THROAT
Hay-fever cough? Tuck into dark chocolate, says research from Imperial College London. It is a third more effective at stopping persistent coughs than codeine, thanks to its high theobromine content. Scientists found that theobromine, an energy stimulant, helped to suppress the activity of the vagus nerve, which causes coughing. Best of all, unlike some cough medication, chocolate doesn’t have any adverse effects on the cardiovascular or central nervous system. Slowly sucking on a single piece of chocolate may help.
2 KEEPS SKIN HEALTHY
Warmer weather is finally on the horizon, but it’s not just SPF30 that can protect your skin from UV rays. Snacking on the dark stuff can help too, says research published in Nutrition and Diabetes. How? It’s all thanks to flavonoids. These powerful antioxidants neutralise the free radical damage that sun exposure causes. To reap the benefits, opt for 70% dark chocolate or higher. Just make sure you still apply sunscreen every two hours!
3 PROVIDES A NATURAL HIGH
If blooming daffodils haven’t quite done the trick, cracking open an Easter egg certainly will. Why? ‘Eating chocolate is known to increase brain levels of several chemicals,’ explains Dr Jeff Foster. ‘These include mood-altering phenethylamine, which can lift your spirits and boost confidence, as well energy-boosting theobromine [see left] and tryptophan – a protein which converts to the “happy” hormone serotonin.’ But be warned, these hormone changes are limited and eating an entire bag of Mini Eggs in one sitting, rather than just the recommended portion (30g), is unlikely to lift long-term low mood.
4 IMPROVES BRAIN HEALTH
Eating dark chocolate can give your brain a boost for two to three hours, found a study by the University of Nottingham. It can even
