Let’s face it, chocolate gets a bad reputation. We like to profile it as the diet-crushing, sugar-filled, guilt-inducing sweet that keeps us craving more, but that’s just not fair. Although chocolate is commonly demonized or called candy, we should look at the optimistic reality of this glorious snack. Chocolate with high cocoa content has plenty of overlooked benefits that improve mental, physical, and emotional health. Here are several reasons why you should be eating more chocolate in Austin TX.

It can make you happy in Austin TX

We often say that chocolate is a “remedy” or “comfort” food — it can help us get over a breakup, fix a bad day or simply make us feel happier. But why is this? No, it is not just because it tastes so good. Chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA), which stimulates centers in the brain that control pleasure and satisfaction. In addition, the tryptophan found in chocolate produces several substances, one of them being serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that controls our levels of happiness (and a lack of it can cause symptoms of depression).

It helps with fatigue

While chocolate might not pack the same punch as drinks and foods with higher caffeine content, it can still work as a sweet pick-me-up. About one ounce of 85 percent cocoa dark chocolate contains approximately 23 milligrams of caffeine. That’s about a fourth of the caffeine content in a cup of coffee and only five milligrams less than what’s in a regular Coca-Cola (and much less sugar!)

It's packed with nutrients

Believe it or not, dark chocolate is densely packed with minerals, antioxidants, and even fiber. Healthline describes a 100-gram chocolate bar as containing a large percentage of the recommended daily intake for minerals such as iron, magnesium, and manganese. This same chocolate bar contains around 11 grams of fiber, as well. Darker chocolates with higher cocoa content also carry antioxidants called flavonoids, which, like many other foods with antioxidants, can help prevent a variety of diseases and keep the body healthy. So, chocolate is a great dessert choice that pack many health benefits.

It keeps your heart healthy

According to a long-term study conducted in Germany and Sweden, consuming one to two servings of dark chocolate per week resulted in lowered risk of cardiovascular failure and lowered blood pressure (Women’s Health). We can also accredit this health benefit to flavonoids, which positively affect the arteries and veins.

Now, don’t use this article as permission to down a pint of chocolate ice cream or inhale an entire bar in one sitting. As with anything else, chocolate should be consumed in moderation to prevent eating too much sugar or fat. Consume wisely, pick the bars with higher cocoa content, and don’t forget to savor each bite. Enjoy!