In uncertain times, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the simpler things in our lives that bring us genuine pleasure. Family and friends? Absolutely. Good health and thriving children? You bet. Sultry sunsets and autumn foliage? Thank you very much. But right now, I prefer to focus on another joy: chocolate.
While chocolate is not a cure-all, let’s be frank. Chocolate is a delight to eat. It can also be healthy (in moderation, straight up, and preferably as dark as you can take it). Chocolate is believed to be an antioxidant. According to the Mayo Clinic, chocolate’s main ingredient, cocoa, contains flavanols that fight cell damage and may help to lower blood pressure. Chocolate also causes your brain to release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals, which make you feel happy. Now, this is not to say you should overindulge in chocolate, but in the spirit of simple pleasures, chocolate ranks near the top of the list, with a few healthy properties to boot.
