The health benefits for non-guilty chocoholics

With Easter just around the corner, we are all guilty of indulging in chocolate, whether that’s milk, dark or any flavour in between, it’s the ultimate comfort food. An outlet for stress, a source of consolation and a great mood-enhancer, but did you know chocolate also offers amazing (and proven!) health benefits?

In particular, it’s mainly dark chocolate, with 70% cocoa, that is really good for us but if you can’t get over the often bitter taste these benefits can still apply! With the latest research suggesting that eating chocolate can help your brain function whirring into old age, this is a win-win for all and could even be considered a part of the anti-ageing process?

There have also been studies stating chocolate is good for circulation and the heart, particularly in reducing the risk of a stroke. Rich in minerals, the flavonols in dark chocolate can even protect the skin against sun damage – although we’d still recommend a high SPF to avoid a raw red sunburn.

So now we know about the physical benefits, why does chocolate make us feel so good mentally? Well, chocolate contains phenylethylamine, PEA, which happens to be the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel you’re falling in love. Meaning while you may be drowning your sorrows with a chocolate treat, PEA encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins, making yourself feel instantly better!

At The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, we recognise the importance of chocolate and have the ultimate treat for chocoholics – The Chocolate Lovers Spa Day, an indulgent chocolate body wrap. You can drift into a relaxed state of mind as cocoa-rich formulas are applied to your skin to detoxify, nourish and exfoliate before an Indian head massage is given for the ultimate relaxation.

With full access to our ‘5 bubble’ rated Spa, after you’ve had your chocolate fix you can enjoy the spacious hydrotherapy pool or sit back and cleanse away everyday woes in the steam room or sauna.

Sounds yummy!

Love, Rebecca x