Chocolate That's Good for Your Health!

Chocolate doesn't have to be your dirty little secret anymore. The delicious rich texture and taste of chocolate no longer needs to be reserved to eating on just cheat days.  According to the American Heart Association, it's  can actually be good for your health!

"Chocolate consumers were more likely to be younger, physically active, affluent people, who had higher education levels and fewer chronic health issues," American Heart Association News reports.

That's right, new research shows that daily consumption of chocolate lessens heart disease risk. To be specific, research states that consuming 100 mg of chocolate a daily is associated with "lower levels of insulin resistance, serum insulin and liver enzymes, markers associated with heart disease risk." In other words... eat up!

But there's a catch - only to eat dark chocolate! Darker chocolate is linked to better skin, better teeth and weight loss. Health experts say that this is because of anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial compounds. Look for the darker, more simple options. Your best bet is to look for chocolate with a high cacao concentration. If you're used to the sweet stuff this may be an adjustment but, in  the long run your taste buds will adjust! 

Even stars are in love with the craze. Take a look at sexy and slim Nicole Scherzinger treating herself.

With a body like hers, there has got to be a secret to the magic. Who says it isn't chocolate!

Higher cacao also means the chocolate has more flavanols. According to this website, a high amount of flavanols is linked to "lower blood pressure and improve vascular function,  improve cognitive function , and even provides UV protection for our skin!" Additionally, the website reads that dark chocolate has a higher proportion of flavanols than milk chocolate.

Long story short, have that piece of chocolate, don't feel guilty about it...you're helping your health!