Favorite Food Friday: Dark Chocolate

Everyone has a weakness when it comes to food and mine is chocolate, specifically ice cream. While sundaes topped with hot fudge are probably not a secret solution to weight loss, dark chocolate is actually very beneficial to your health. If you're looking for ways to treat yourself after a week of "good" eating, read on to see why chocolate could be the indulgence you deserve.

• Increasing blood flow to the brain, chocolate helps cognitive function and decreases age-related mental problems
• This additional blood flow also improves skin by protecting against harmful effects of the sun
• Chocolate boosts endorphin production, the hormone responsible for feeling happy and lowering stress levels
• Eating dark chocolate reduces the number of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which harms muscles and tissues
• Last but not least, the antioxidants kick start the metabolism, helping burn calories and reduce fat