One of the main reasons why chocolate is so popular in Italy is due to the fact that there are a lot of different chocolate body massage benefits to reap. The first and foremost benefit of all is that chocolate contains a certain type of flavonoid or chemical known as epicatechin. It is this chemical that gives chocolate its dark, sweet and irresistible hue. These flavonoids, when combined with various other chemicals, can have several health benefits including improved circulation, increased circulation, reduced inflammation and pain, decreased blood platelet adhesion which is responsible for bleeding, decreased pain thresholds and numerous others. With all these amazing benefits, it is little wonder that this is a very popular form of massage therapy in Italy and around the rest of the world.
When chocolate is used as a massage oil or lotion, it leaves skin feeling soft and silky. As such, it has many benefits as a moisturizer, especially after a long, hard day at work. However, the true benefits of chocolate far beyond the skin care aspects come from the powerful antioxidants found in chocolate. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals in your body and maintain healthy skin, which is one reason why so many Italian women prefer chocolate over almost every other beauty product on the market.
Another of the amazing chocolate body massage benefits is that chocolate contains a high amount of magnesium, which helps to regulate muscle tone. Magnesium also helps to balance blood sugar levels, which is why many people choose chocolate when making sure that they do not have a blood sugar crash in the middle of the night. Chocolate consumption is also a great way to naturally induce sleep as well as a natural way to reduce stress which many Americans suffer from because of the hectic pace of life.
Chocolate contains high amounts of Vitamin A, B2, E and other essential nutrients that help to improve vision, immune system and overall mental and physical health. It is also a source of flavonoids, which are known for their powerful antioxidant properties. As you may have guessed, antioxidants can fight off a wide range of illnesses and diseases including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Antioxidants can also strengthen our immune system by providing it with extra strength to ward off infections from bacteria and viruses.
The benefits of chocolate go further than skin deep though. Many people don’t realize that chocolate milk is packed with benefits as well. For example, chocolate milk tastes great after a rigorous workout. The caffeine found in chocolate milk helps to increase your heart rate and provides an instant boost of energy to combat fatigue and make you feel great. A cup or two of chocolate milk following a workout session helps to reduce soreness and swelling from the exercise. Chocolate milk is also full of antioxidants and other health-enhancing nutrients that can help to maintain a healthy heart and strong bones.
Other benefits of chocolate milk include its ability to provide a cooling effect on the body. When chocolate is mixed with lemon juice, it becomes very refreshing and energizing. This makes chocolate a great choice for cool drinks and ice cream. Lemon juice and chocolate make a tasty combination that is popular in cocktails and sorbet. Add it to smoothies and yogurt to give yourself a boost during the cold weather.
Not only do chocolate and lemons offer unique benefits when it comes to physical health, but they can have impressive benefits emotionally. In fact, chocolate has been known to reduce stress and improve mood. It can also calm down an upset stomach and provide relief from a migraine headache. Studies have shown that drinking chocolate milk on a regular basis reduces depression symptoms and relieves anxiety symptoms. Plus, chocolate contains theobromine, a mood enhancer that acts as a natural mood elevator and stimulant.
The next time you want to get a deep tissue massage, opt for the dark chocolate variety. It packs a powerful punch! Explore chocolate body massage benefits by including it in your menu. You won’t be disappointed by the results!
