Top 5 Reasons to Eat Chocolate Cake For Breakfast
Today, January 27th, is one of our favorite quirky holidays: National Chocolate Cake Day! Chocolate cake is a relatively new phenomenon, having been invited in the late 1700s with the discovery of cocoa powder. In honor of this momentous day, we plan on eating chocolate cake for breakfast (and probably lunch and dinner as well). And we’re not going to feel bad about it. Why? Because contrary to popular belief, chocolate is actually good for you (well, dark chocolate at least) and makes you feel good.
Here are the top 5 reasons you should eat chocolate cake for breakfast in honor of National Chocolate Cake Day (and, every day).
5.) Chocolate Gives You Energy
All you need is a slice of cake and a cappuccino and you’ll be ready to take on the day
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which work to increase energy levels and improve blood flow to the brain. While the sugar in chocolate will also give you an energy boost, it will be quick lived, followed by a crash. Thus, if you’re seeking a longer energy boost, go for dark chocolate. The darker the chocolate the better, as it has less sugar and more energy-inducing potential.
Have a big day ahead of you today? Celebrate Chocolate Day ASAP – as in, for breakfast. Enjoy a cappuccino and a slice of chocolate cake for this AM, and you’ll be energized and ready to take on the day.
4.) Chocolate Makes You Feel Good
Feel like you’re falling in love…
There’s a reason people are happy when they eat chocolate (in addition to the obvious). Chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA), which tells your brain to release feel-good endorphins, which cause you to feel happiness and general wellbeing. This is the same chemical your brain naturally creates when you are falling in love.
Therefore, it can be said that eating a piece of chocolate cake will make you feel as though you are falling in love. What better way to start your day? Remember, chocolate cake consumption isn’t limited to chocolate cake day… Indulge in it anytime you want to feel that euphoric sensation of falling in love.
3.) Chocolate Keeps You Looking Young
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants which will help you feeling (and looking) good. Photo: Charisse Kenion on Unsplash
Dark chocolate is good for your skin. It is full of antioxidants called flavonoids, which help to prevent aging, according to a study published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2009. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help protect the skin against unhealthy UV rays, fight free radicals, and increase blood flow. This leads to fewer wrinkles, the prevention of sunspots, and improved hydration.
Therefore, eating chocolate cake for breakfast can help keep you looking young and fresh throughout the day. Chocolate cake day should be celebrated every day!
2.) Chocolate Relieves Stress
This cake will make you forget all your worries
The chemicals in dark chocolate produce endorphins, which are known to elevate mood and stimulate the brain cells, causing relaxation and a reduction in stress and anxiety.
A recent study in Switzerland adds scientific proof to what we’ve all known for years: chocolate helps your stress melt away. The study was conducted amongst a group of people who considered themselves “highly stressed.” They were tasked with eating a small amount (1.4 ounces, or, slightly less than a regular sized Hershey’s bar) of dark chocolate each day. The researchers took blood plasma and urine samples before and after the test to monitor the change in the stress hormones cortisol and catecholamines. After just two weeks (or, ~14 Hershey bars), the stress hormones were found to have decreased.
Have a big project today, a game, or something else worry-inducing? Eat chocolate cake for breakfast and melt that stress away before it even begins.
1.) Chocolate Keeps You (And Your Heart) Healthy
Truth: THIS will help reduce your risk of heart attack. Photo by Taylor Kiser on Unsplash
If the aforementioned reasons aren’t enough to convince you of the benefits of chocolate (and eating chocolate cake for breakfast), this one will be: dark chocolate keeps your heart functioning properly and can help reduce the risk of stroke.
In addition to helping your skin, the flavonoids in chocolate help your body fight and prevent cardiovascular diseases. A recent study found that dark chocolate helps restore flexibility in arteries. Additionally, it helps prevent white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels. Both of these factors are common causes of clogged arteries. Additionally, a recent study in Finland found that eating just a small amount of chocolate each day can lower one’s risk of stroke by 19%!
So – not only will chocolate make you feel good, look beautiful, and feel energized – it will also help you live longer. We can’t think of a better reason to enjoy it (especially in the form of chocolate cake for breakfast). Just remember, moderation is key, and dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate.
Happy Chocolate Cake Day!
Think you’re a pro when it comes to chocolate? Take our quiz and find out. Don’t forget to share your results!
