I don’t even know who to thank for chocolate, but what or whoever you are, thank you! Chocolate’s not only super-tasty, it can boast a superfood status as well. Most people know and use chocolate to sweeten their day, but it has so many other fun uses and roles around the world. If you are bored with simply eating this magical treat for its taste (like that’s possible!), here are some less known ways you can use it and the benefits you can reap. So, open up a bar of your favourite chocolate and enjoy this article.
Cocoa spa treatment
If you use it correctly, chocolate can actually be very beneficial for your skin. It contains antioxidants that spas can’t ignore, so today, you can get chocolate milk baths, cocoa bean polish and a literal chocolate whole-body wrap in spa resorts all over the world. If you’re not into spas, you can make your own chocolate facial mask that will moisturize your skin, and leave it clean and glowing. You can spice things up by mixing melted chocolate with some orange essence or adding some unsweetened cocoa powder for a heavy chocolate mask. If you decide to make your DIY facial mask, here’s a pro tip for you. Cocoa usually doesn’t blend that easily, so be patient. Now that you know how good chocolate can be for your skin, you can literally shove your face in it. Finally!
The sweet smell of chocolate
Just thinking about how delicious chocolate smells makes my mouth water. It has one of those aromas that seems to be loved all over the world. Even if you don’t like chocolate itself (are there actually people like that?) its smell will get your imagination going. Some companies that make chocolate perfume claim it’s a strong male aphrodisiac, so if you’re looking for a man, you know what to do. Actually, we should all smell like chocolate!
Brain food
The next time your brain feels a little bit dull, try sharpening it with some chocolate. A chemical called flavanol that can be found in cocoa can boost your brain’s blood circulation, which will give your brain an instant (and enjoyable) mind exercise. This brain-boosting property of chocolate is just another reason to dig in and treat yourself to some cocoa heaven.
A universal present
There’s practically no going wrong with chocolate. Whether it’s a birthday, a random day, a boy or a girl, young or old, chocolate makes the perfect gift. Nowadays, there are specialty chocolates for every occasion and every age, like lovely little mother’s day chocolates or Christmas chocolates. This is one gift you can be sure will be appreciated and enjoyed to the fullest. If chocolate is already your go-to gift, you can pair chocolate and wine and show how sophisticated you are. If you’re not actually sophisticated, but would like to be, here’s a little cheat-sheet on how to successfully pair those two.
Lifting your mood
Chocolate is well known for its ability to release serotonin and endorphins that make you feel happy and stress-free, so it will not only make your taste buds feel happy, but your whole body. It can also improve circulation to your brain that will stimulate you when you feel down, so feel free to stuff your face with some chocolate when you’re sad, just like they do in the movies.
So, next time you get to eat this food of the gods, remember how blessed you are to be able to enjoy it. And who knows, maybe you will meet new chocolate lovers and make this superfood even more super.
About the author:
Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.
Great post!
I love chocolate.