Aside from my birthday and Christmas, this is my favorite holiday! Seriously – a day devoted to chocolate, what!? Let’s all take a moment and let the sweet taste of rich cocoa take over all the stress we may feel – because after all, I do believe that is the unofficial, official reason we celebrate.

Believe it or not, not all chocolate is bad for you. In my sweet-tooth filled research, I found a very helpful article from Women’s Health focusing on the benefits, yes as in good-for-you benefits, to eating chocolate. Some sounded very familiar to what we see in coconut oil, including weight loss (I was just as surprised as you!) and cognitive support.

Chocolate and Coconut Oil: A Perfect Pair!

Heart Health

Just like with coconut oil, the type of chocolate is important. In order to gain the most health benefits, you should select a rich, dark chocolate packed with plenty of flavonoids. According to findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, regularly snacking on chocolate can help your heart, including lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease. Extra virgin coconut oil, like Kelapo, may also help your cholesterol. I see this as the beginning of a perfect relationship.

Stress Relief

This one, I feel I can personally back. Some studies show eating chocolate can help lower your stress levels. To really relax, try eating chocolate while having some hunk rub coconut oil on your temples. Yes, that’s VERY relaxing!

Weight Loss

This makes eating our Chocolate Coconut Nests that much better! We’ve talked before about how coconut oil may help you maintain or even lose weight. Mainly because of how the coconut oil is broken down in your body and used as an energy instead of fat. Well, wouldn’t you know researchers at the University of Copenhagen found dark chocolate may actually lessen cravings for sweet, salty, AND fatty foods! By no means will I skip the gym and just eat chocolate. But if I’m having a sweet tooth fit, it’ll be the dark chocolate/coconut oil combo I’ll be eating.

Cognitive Function

We couldn’t be more excited about the recent news about the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa, Florida studying coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease. For many years, people have claimed the ketones created by extra virgin coconut oil can act as an alternative fuel source for the brain, giving it an extra boost – now this is being scientifically backed. Researchers at the University of Nottingham found the flavanols in cocoa boost blood flow to parts of the brain – which may lead to a more focused you. Another study out of Oxford University found long-term these flavanols can have a positive lasting effect on the brain. Oh, this sweet, sweet brain-food combination!

Just don’t overindulge. The key to really enjoying chocolate without guilt is moderation. Went a little overboard with your dessert? Just do one of Kayla’s workouts to help counteract all of that cocoa goodness.

Cheers to chocolate and good health!

-Michelle