7 Reasons Why You Should Be Eating More Chocolate

From boosting your workouts to enhancing your complexion, we reveal the health and beauty benefits of the cocoa bean

- Louise Pyne

We’re officially a nation of chocoholics. The average Brit eats their way through 16.3lbs of the stuff each year, which ranks us as the world’s third-largest chocolate consumers. But it doesn’t just taste good; research shows chocolate boasts some impressive health and beauty benefits, too. Of course, we’re talking about good-quality dark and raw chocolate, with a high cocoa content, rather than mass-produced bars which usually contain sweeteners, low levels of cocoa and a host of other ingredients.

The main reason the dark stuff has achieved superfood status is down to its star ingredient cocoa or cacao. According to the ORAC Scale (a US database listing the antioxidant capacity of foods), cocoa contains more antioxidants than superfoods such as blueberries and raspberries.

‘Commercially, “cacao” refers to chocolate in its raw-bean or cold-pressed form, with “cocoa powder” its roasted derivative,’ says nutritionist Angelique Panagos. To receive the health perks, opt for chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa, and the fewer additives the better. Stick to 15g of raw or bitter dark chocolate daily to reap the health benefits without any risk of weight gain or blood sugar dips.

What chocolate can do for you

Here's why the nation's favourite treat has achieved superfood stardom

1. JUMP-START YOUR WORKOUT