How to live longer: delicious treat increases life

Living a longer and healthier life most relates to one’s diet. Experts recommend eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, basing meals on higher starchy foods like

potatoes, bread and rice, having some dairy or dairy alternatives, eating some protein, choosing unsaturated oils and spreads, and drinking plenty of fluids. Getting enough of the

recommended amount of physical exercise and avoiding smoking and drinking can lead to a longer life. However, there is also a delicious treat one can add into their diet, and if eaten in

moderation, it may also help to increase life expectancy. HOW DARK CHOCOLATE COULD HELP YOU TO LIVE LONGER LOSING WEIGHT In his book, Eat Chocolate, Lose Weight, Will Clower explained how

Bettina piece of dark chocolate 20 minutes before and five minutes after a meal can help cut a person’s appetite by an impressive 50 percent. According to Mr Clower, this is because

chocolate triggers the hormones that tell the brain it’s full. DON’T MISS BRAIN POWER Dark chocolate helps to improve blood flow to the brain and researchers have found that it could even

help with Alzheimer’s. In a trial published by Nature Neuroscience, it was discovered that the high flavanol found in dark chocolate helped to enhance debate gyrus (DG) function. DG is the

region of the brain in which declines are associated with human ageing.   HAPPINESS Science agrees that chocolate makes people happier and not just because it’s delicious. There are chemical

components found within chocolate that make it irresistible, such as phenylethylamine which is an organic compound that when released in the body stimulates a similar feeling to that of

falling in love. It also acts as an antidepressant when combined with the dopamine that exists naturally in the brain. Along with its theobromine and tryptophan content it's easy to see

why chocolate is considered a certified mood booster and it’s been proven that happier people live longer.