3 Things To Know About Chocolate!

1. Cocoa Rich Dark Chocolate Has The Most Health Benefits
The health benefits in chocolate come from flavonoids and antioxidants found in real cocoa. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, and most commercial candy bars have very little of it. Also many heavily processed commercial brands replace the healthier cocoa fats with milk fats and hydrogenated oil, as well as adding lots of extra sugar and chemicals. Try to look for chocolate bars that say sixty percent cocoa or higher.

2. Cocoa Is Great For Your Heart
Cocoa contains flavonoids which studies suggest can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering blood pressure. It also contains the heart healthy mineral magnesium.

3. Chocolate Can Improve Your Mood
Cocoa can improve your mood by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. Cocoa can also boost  endorphins which trigger a sense of pleasure and help relieve pain.

5 Foods To Help Improve Your Mood!

Did you know that some foods can actually help improve your mood. Here are 5 great foods that can help you feel both healthy and happy!

1. Salmon
This fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids which is important for brain health and can help lift your mood as well as improve your memory. Also salmon is rich in the vitamin B12 which research shows may help in production of serotonin. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for good mood. 


2. Eggs
Egg yolks are one of only a few food sources of vitamin D. We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but during the winter months a lack of sunshine can lead to a vitamin D deficiency and mood related disorders such as seasonal affective disorder and depression. Eggs are also rich in B-vitamins which can help the way the neurotransmitters of the brain send signals, which helps govern mood.


3. Turkey
Turkey contains the two amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine. These can help make important neurotransmitters that help control your mood including serotonin, dopamine, and and norepinephrine.


4. Chocolate
It may not be a coincidence if you tend to reach for chocolate when you are feeling blue! The combination of mood-elevating chemicals found in chocolate, such caffeine, theobromine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, reallly can help make you happier!

5. Walnuts
Walnuts, along with most other nuts and seeds, are a good source of magnesium which influences production of serotonin. A lack of magnesium may cause depression, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia so it's important that we get enough. It also effects overall energy levels.