Chocolate; more than just a broken heart pill

Study after study proves that dark chocolate is good for more than curing a broken heart. The secret behind its powerful punch is cocoa, also the source of the sweet's distinct taste.

Packed with healthy chemicals like flavonoids and theobromine, this little bean is a disease-killing bullet.

Chocolate is good for releasing stress

Chocolate contains valeric acid which is a relaxant and a tranquilliser. Also, the sugar in chocolate may reduce stress as sugar has been shown to have a calming and pain-relieving effect.

An appetite booster

This could be because chocolate contains cannabinoid-like substances that are known to affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls hunger.

This is not ideal if you are on a diet but for those who need to put on weight or who have lost appetite, chocolate could be just what you need to help get your appetite back.

Chocolate can make you more alert

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, a caffeine-like substance that is thought to make us more alert.

Theobromine does not have the side-effect of making us anxious, like caffeine, and chocolate contains only minute amounts of caffeine.

Lowers blood pressure

Flavanols found in cocoa beans aid the production of nitric oxide which stimulates blood vessels to dilate.

The dilation of the blood vessels helps to lower our blood pressure.

Good for the heart

A recent study found that dark chocolate helps restore flexibility to arteries while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels.

This prevents the artery from clogging and ensures smooth blood circulation.

Chocolate makes you feel better.

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine

PEA which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you are falling in love.

It encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins.