Have chocolates without guilt

Next time when you want to reach out for that bar of chocolate, you need not worry about any extra calories that you might pile on. Experts say that chocolates can have many benefits too.

Next time when you want to reach out for that bar of chocolate, you need not worry about any extra calories that you might pile on. Experts say that chocolates can have many benefits too. Here are some:

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Slows aging: The antioxidants present in the Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, slows down the aging process caused by free

radicals.

Lowers blood pressure: Cocoa butter that contains oleic acid improves the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and also lowers the blood pressure.

Uplifts mood: Phenyl ethylamine in chocolate is a mood elevator, and its smell enhances the theta brain waves that help in relaxation. Serotonin in chocolates has anti-depressant properties.

Increases appetite: A cup of hot chocolate before meals increases appetite.

Prevents tooth decay: Dark chocolates are a rich antibacterial agent which prevents tooth decay as it has less sugar.

For heart and body: Chocolate is a good source of vitamin A, B1, C, D and E, iron, calcium, potassium and nitric oxide. All these are good for the heart and body.

(With inputs from Dr Manjinder Singh Sandhu, Cardiologist)