Why not self-medicate as you enjoy the holidays, whether you are shopping, cooking, working, or entertaining. What did I say? Self-medicate?! Yes. With dark chocolate.

Chocolate is the most enjoyed candy with the most powerful medicinal properties on the planet. The first documented record of chocolate dates back to 1100 B.C. in South America.

Much satisfaction comes from eating chocolate. Remember, though, that healthy chocolate is dark, organic chocolate that has more cocoa than sugar. This means M&M’s, Hershey’s, or other ‘over the counter’ chocolate does not apply.

Chocolate comes from the cacao plant, and many of the health benefits of chocolate are similar to those from dark vegetables. These benefits come from flavonoids, which behave as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Organic, dark chocolate contains many different antioxidants.

Here are some benefits you can enjoy from indulging in dark, organic chocolate:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Protects against coronary artery disease
• Reduces stroke and prevents cholesterol oxidation, which causes artery damage
• Increases nitric oxide production that helps to control insulin sensitivity
• Stimulates endorphin production, which causes you to feel happy
• Reduces the production of stress hormones
• Contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant
• Contains flavanois that boost brain power for 2-3 hours, increasing cognitive function
• Contains theobromine and caffeine that are natural “pick me ups”
• Contains healthy fats that raise good cholesterol levels

So treat yourself to high quality, organic, dark chocolate in moderation. It will help you enjoy a stress-free holiday season. There is no need to feel guilty about eating small amounts of chocolate anymore!