Friday Five: 5 (More) Facts About Chocolate

“It has been shown as proof positive that carefully prepared chocolate is as healthful a food as it is pleasant; that it is nourishing and easily digested… that it is above all helpful to people who must do a great deal of mental work.” – Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

I didn’t plan to drop off the face of the earth for three weeks and leave you hanging…

No doubt, your life carried on fine without the last five chocolate facts. (If you missed the first list, you can find it here.) I wish I had a really great excuse for going AWOL on my blog for three weeks, but I don’t.

This month has brought several detours into my life. Some good. Some not-so-good. Some I’m not sure about yet.

I’ve spent a lot of time during the past 10 days in deep thought. Living inside my head. I had a potentially amazing and life-changing once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity drop into my lap through some online contacts. You would think that would be a simple decision, but it isn’t. I’m still thinking…

If I jump into this business opportunity with both feet, I will need some help. Lots of it. Let me know if you want to join me. And yes — it pays.

Meanwhile, let’s talk about CHOCOLATE!

5 (More) Facts About Chocolate

6. Research indicates a daily dose (moderate, of course!) of dark chocolate can reduce stress. Dark chocolate also has serotonin. Serotonin acts as an antidepressant and encourages the body to produce endorphins.

7. Several studies show a possible link between eating dark chocolate and mental functioning. One study found a direct connection between the countries with the highest consumption of chocolate and the highest number of Nobel Prizes. (Who knew that chocolate can make you smart?)

8. If you want to get the most benefits from eating dark chocolate, avoid the nougat, caramel and other fillings. Too much sugar and fat will cancel out the health benefits.

9. Contrary to rumor, chocolate doesn’t cause acne, obesity, or tooth decay.

10. The key to getting the most health-related benefits from chocolate is moderation. “Moderation” means one or two pieces a week. The health benefits don’t increase with consumption.

(Source: 10 Nice-To-Know Facts About Chocolate, ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal.  James A. Peterson, PhD, FACSM)

Based on #7, I could use a little dark chocolate this weekend. I’m planning to take my Precision Nutrition Certification exam before Monday. Hmmm…

Do you prefer your chocolate “straight” or mixed with caramel, nougat, or other fillings?