With this new found knowledge concerning the importance of diet, it is no doubt you have ventured off alone seeking other healthy alternatives listening to what the medical community deems healthful. I know I have personally stumbled upon dark chocolate seeking relief from the depilating effects of fatigue and work exhaustion when they hit. After all, let's take a look at the top six benefits of dark chocolate.
Health Benefits
1) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart - Lowers blood pressure and increases flow.
2) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain - Contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which makes you feel good.
3) Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar - Low on the glycemic index.
4) Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants - Keeps your body free of free radicals.
5) Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine - Hardens tooth enamel.
6) Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals - Contains potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron.
So if you've been craving a little chocolate after a long day, it's no wonder your body feels a connection with this luscious food when the incapacitating fatigue hits. I found myself munching on a good size portion after an extremely stressful week at work. And certainly, after consuming a bit, I had a boost of energy that would allow me to complete my nightly duties. But then I began noting it followed me to the bedroom when I retired. Moreover, my body would literally collapse after an hour of fitful turning only to awaken several times and then finally at 5:30 am unable to attain a few added hours despite my day off. This went on all weekend making me wonder what was driving me up so often and so frequently.
What I found was various percentages of dark chocolate do have caffeine. The darker the chocolate the more caffeine it contains. Now, if you were once one of those sleepless fibromaniacs dying to get a full night rest and gave up caffeine, this can be a noxious poison adding sleep deprivation and renewed flare-ups to your list.
Amounts of Caffeine in Chocolate as per 5 oz. serving:
Regular Chocolate - 60 mg.
Semi Sweet - 77 mg.
Semi Sweet 60% - 119 mg.
Semi Sweet 70% - 139 mg.
Semi Sweet 80% - 159 mg.
Semit Sweet 90% - 179 mg.
Coffee 8 oz. - 107.5 mg.
So, my consumption of the usual 70% dark chocolate was like having a cup of coffee and dusk. No wonder I was unable to rest adequately. Should you give up chocolate? Well, that depends on your levels of anxiety and added energy upon consumption. But, food for thought - do consume early in the day if you want to enable your body to gain a more restful sleep.