Dark chocolate: a pleasure that heals (and not just the soul)

When your body and soul need pampering, reach for chocolate. Dark chocolate can do more than you think❣

Do you know what's great about adulthood? That you can have chocolate whenever you want. And also that you now know how to enjoy it – slowly, calmly, without regrets. Because you're sure that good chocolate is not a sin. It's medicine. And what's more – in this article I'll prove it scientifically.

Come wrap yourself in a blanket with me for a while, make some hot cocoa – and find out why dark chocolate is the perfect companion for cold days, winter evenings… and sometimes even difficult times.

Did you know that chocolate has its roots in the Mayans? They prepared "xocolatl" - a ritual drink made from ground cocoa beans, pepper and cinnamon. Even the powerful Montezuma II loved it, who is said to have enjoyed it several times a day.

It was brought to Europe by Cortés (the one with those somewhat unethical expeditions) and for a while chocolate was even drunk as a medicine – it was recommended against fatigue, cough and melancholy. Yes, seriously! Cardinal Brancaccio even allowed its consumption during Lent.

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Chocolate/Cocoa It's not just joy – it's a small pharmacy. It contains polyphenols, flavonoids, theobromine, caffeine, tryptophan, iron, magnesium, zinc and many other helpers for the body and mind. And what exactly can it do?

• It reduces pressure and improves blood circulation.
• It fights bad cholesterol and protects blood vessels from aging.

• Supports concentration and memory.
• Improves mood – thanks to serotonin, dopamine and tryptophan.
• It helps relieve stress and fatigue.

• Protects cells from free radicals.
• Strengthens immunity – especially chocolate with 85% cocoa and more.

• It acts as a prebiotic – feeding the „good bacteria“ in the intestines.
• It aids in weight loss by promoting satiety and digestion.

• It provides quick energy – ideal for fatigue or winter drowsiness.
• Epicatechin supports muscle growth – gently but steadily.

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The answer will please: 20–30 g of dark chocolate a day (ideally 85–90 %) can make you happier than three hours of Googling "what to do for stress".

And according to research:

• People who eat chocolate twice a week have a lower risk of heart attack and diabetes.
• 20 g of chocolate a day helps blood vessels and the psyche.
• But be careful – 100 g of chocolate = 600 kcal. So: with love, but in moderation.

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You know that feeling when you eat a piece of chocolate – and suddenly the world doesn't seem so lost? That's not an illusion. That's chemistry.

• Caffeine and theobromine will slightly stimulate you.
• Tryptophan will help the body create serotonin.
• Phenylethylamine stimulates dopamine (the hormone of joy).
• The result is: greater peace, less anxiety, more joy.

And yes – women have a scientifically proven greater craving for chocolate than men. And especially in the premenstrual phase. But even after 50, the craving for chocolate is completely legitimate. After all, the soul has cycles too.

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Every Advent weekend, treat yourself to a square of quality chocolate. Close your eyes and thank yourself for something you can do. What do you feel? Gratitude. Peace. And that's more than a diet.

Mix a few drops cocoa essential oil with vanilla and orange. The result is a scent that reminds you of childhood. And safety.

Add a spoonful of cocoa butter and a few drops of lavender to your bath. Soak. Breathe. Let yourself be embraced – without words, but deeply. I generally love oil baths, but cleaning the tub – oh yeah 😉

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• Choose chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more - less sugar, more benefits.
• Monitor quality – certification, origin, ethical brands.
• Watch out for heavy metals – some cheap chocolates may contain them. And not just the cheap ones! (2024 - In an effort to avoid a lawsuit in the US, Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprungl has retracted its own claims about the perfection of its products. These were the basis of its marketing strategy. The company allegedly falsely labeled its dark chocolate bars as made from the best ingredients, while they contained significant amounts of lead and cadmium. Source-iDnes.cz 
• Don't panic if you eat the whole board. One board won't ruin three weeks of effort. Maybe just one zip.

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Dark chocolate is like a good friend – it knows when to come and doesn't expect anything in return. It doesn't judge you. It doesn't dictate calories. It just reminds you that life can be sweet even when it's bitter. Yes, I love her and I'm not ashamed of it 😉

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RAW Cacao: the food of the goddesses that embraces you from the inside