You know when that craving hits. It's that need for the taste, texture and satisfaction of having some chocolate. It can strike at any instant, and usually, if you're a chocolate lover -or, what others would call a chocoholic- you'll be more than willing to indulge and sate your cocoa desires. And who blames you? Eating chocolate is an experience all itself and you're familiar with how pleasing it can be. From the moment you put a piece of chocolate in your mouth to the moment you swallow it, so many sensory experiences transpire. The smelling of beforehand, taking a good chunk in your mouth and enjoying the intricate textures and varying tastes, the rich, yet smooth melted goodness and how it takes over your taste buds, forever leaving you wanting more. Mmmmm, chocolate.

And wanting more chocolate isn't out of the ordinary, nor is wanting more out of chocolate. But, what more could you possibly want out of chocolate other than more of it? Perhaps, you want chocolate to be supremely healthy for you, have defined health benefits? Think such a possibility is, impossible?

Well, You're In For A Healthful Surprise

If you're craving more than just irresistible chocolate flavor -maybe an added and substantial amount of health advantages- then chocolate is something you can certainly consume to reap the benefits. It's actually been proven that the ingestion of chocolate on a regular, yet non-excessive basis, is quite good for you. But, it's not the chocolate itself that's healthful, it's what's inside it. The magical ingredient in chocolate is cocoa. And within cocoa can be found what are called flavonoids, which are known for their active antioxidant capabilities.

And in former studies, these antioxidants have been proven to help accomplish many health goals for individuals of all ages such as lessen chances of heart disease, decrease blood pressure, improve circulation and also ward off 'free radical' molecules which are known to cause strokes, heart disease, or even worse, cancer.

Healthful Chocolate & Flavonoid Flavor, A Life Saver?

Not that you can taste the actual flavonoids in chocolate, but they're no doubt there, usually in one of two kinds – catechins and epicatechins. Catechins, especially, are found in an abundance within cocoa, which can very well save your life, or in the least help you to avoid some serious illnesses; a prevention of heart disease and even, possibly, cancer is viable as is the boosting of your overall immune system, so you can stay in tip-top working, guarded condition.

Don't Overdue or Take Advantage of These Chocolate Health Benefits

Clearly, you shouldn't read this and then take chocolate "supplements" -supplements here being daily, excessive chocolate treats- to better your health. Nor should you eat chocolate bars until they come out of your ears to benefit your body. If you do, you'll likely worsen yourself and gain a considerable amount of weight. This is so because the standard chocolate bars you're more accustomed to are additive based, containing minimal amounts of cocoa, and a fair amount of more sugar, dairy products and artificial flavorings.