Chocolate, that delicacy of the gods that gladdens our hearts and makes us smile from ear to ear!
If there's one thing that makes us feel happy and satisfied, it's undoubtedly delicious chocolate. But did you know that this sweet pleasure not only makes us feel good, but also offers health benefits? Yes, you heard right. Chocolate is a true superhero in the form of cocoa!
Before we get into the details of its benefits, let's talk about the happiness hormones that are activated when we enjoy a good piece of chocolate. Picture this: you're sitting on your couch, with a bar of chocolate in one hand, and suddenly, you take a bite of the chocolate and feel it melt in your mouth, releasing the combination of sweetness, bitterness and creaminess. At that very moment, your brain kicks into gear and releases a flood of happy hormones.
The first of these is serotonin, known as the “feel-good hormone.” When we consume chocolate, cocoa stimulates the production of serotonin in our brain, which makes us feel relaxed, happy, and with a general sense of well-being. It’s as if chocolate gives us a warm emotional hug that completely envelops us.
But that's not all. Chocolate also has the power to trigger the release of endorphins in our body. These wonderful substances are known as the "pleasure hormones" and give us a feeling of euphoria and joy. Have you ever noticed that feeling of immediate happiness after eating chocolate? That's thanks to endorphins!
Now that we've talked about the happiness hormones that are unleashed when we taste a little chocolate, let's talk about the health benefits. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in antioxidants, which help us fight free radicals and protect our cells from premature aging. Plus, cocoa contains flavonoids, which are compounds that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
But that's not all. Scientific studies have also shown that moderate consumption of chocolate can have positive effects on our mood and mental health. Remember those happy hormones we talked about earlier? It turns out that chocolate can stimulate their release and improve our mood. So, next time you're feeling a little sad or stressed, treat yourself to some chocolate!
In short, chocolate is much more than just a sweet treat. It is a happiness booster that brings us joy and makes us feel good. Its health benefits, combined with the happiness hormones it releases, make it a real treat for our senses. So don't hesitate to indulge yourself from time to time and enjoy that little bit of happiness that only chocolate can offer.
I recommend a good dark chocolate with at least a minimum cocoa percentage of 60% or more, enjoy life and savor it! A hug! Marisela Vásquez INN Health Coach
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