Good news for chocolate lovers! Chocolate doesn’t have to be a treat to enjoy only on special occasions or holidays such as Easter. Dark chocolate can and should be a daily snack at work or school.
Keep in mind, we’re not talking about the sugary, artificially-flavored candy bars perched in the nearest vending machine. We mean plain chocolate that contains at least 60 percent cacao – meaning there’s less space for unhealthy additives like hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. With this more pure variety, a little goes a long way.
A wise man once said: “Chocolate is made from cocoa, which is a tree. That makes it a plant. Chocolate is salad.”
It’s true, dark chocolate comes from the fruit of the cocoa tree, so it’s naturally good to eat. If you add nuts, that makes it even better for you.
And, as if that’s not reason enough to eat more dark chocolate, the cocoa tree’s full name is Theobroma Cacao, meaning food of the gods! The ancient Mayans and Aztecs believed that the gods discovered cacao inside a mountain along with other delectable plant foods.
In addition, there are plenty of practical reasons why dark chocolate is the perfect afternoon snack!
Research shows that dark chocolate has some impressive health benefits. For instance, it can improve blood flow to the brain and significantly improve cognitive function. It’s rich in nutrients and has a greater antioxidant effect than many other antioxidant-rich foods. Dark chocolate also boosts energy and mood because it contains theobromine, a natural stimulant similar to caffeine.
All good reasons to stash some dark chocolate bars in your desk drawer today!
Interested in learning more about how dark chocolate can help you power through your day? This infographic from ZeroCater.com reviews all of its many benefits and provides tips on how to choose the healthiest chocolate.
Source: Why Dark Chocolate Should Be a Workday Staple
FYI: We’ve seen Russell Stover and Dove Dark Chocolate Easter Bunnies at Walmart!