If you believe eating dark chocolate[1] is really bad for your skin, it's time to change the way you think. Indulging in the sweet treat won't make you break out[2] . In fact, there are beauty benefits to getting "chocolate wasted."


Dark chocolate[3] (the good stuff that's low in sugar and high in cocoa) is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish skin. And its intoxicating aroma and conditioning properties make it the perfect ingredient for hair care. Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why you should add dark chocolate to your beauty regimen[4] .


It repairs dry skin. Iron, calcium and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E are among the many nutrients that we can obtain from dark chocolate[5] . Swap out that extra cup of coffee or green tea for a cocoa-rich drink that will deeply moisturize skin and leave behind a healthy glow. Or you could slough away dead skin cells with a DIY chocolate body scrub[6] made out of olive oil, brown sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla.


It shields against harmful UV rays. Flavonols found in dark chocolate[7] have been clinically shown to help your skin protect itself from sunburn[8] , redness and other signs of UV damage. When applied directly to the skin, it also has the ability to repair and hydrate body parts that have been exposed to the sun. But we wouldn't suggest slacking on sunscreen[9] .


It erases wrinkles and fine lines. Things seem a bit calmer right after we nibble on a piece of dark chocolate, and we all know how stress impacts our skin. And as our friends over at YouBeauty explain[10] , "Cocoa helps reduce stress hormones, which means less collagen breakdown in the skin and fewer wrinkles." Sort of like eating your way to pretty.


dark chocolate beauty benefits


It adds shine to lackluster locks. A homemade hair mask[11] made out of unsweetened dark chocolate? Why yes! Add honey and yogurt to the mixture before applying to your hair. Cover with plastic wrap and leave on for about one hour. Wash out with a cold water rinse and you will have super shiny strands.


It promotes hair growth. Copper, zinc and iron are minerals that promote the cell renewal growth process, and dark chocolate[12] happens to be full of them. So eating chocolate every day will increase oxygen and blood flow to the scalp and lead to healthier and strong hair.


Have you ever used dark chocolate in your beauty regimen? Give us the deets!


More beauty-boosting foods right this way:



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  • Shiny, Healthy Hair: Carrots


    "Carrots have a high amount of beta-carotene, the precursor for vitamin A, among the common vegetables," says Snyder. "Vitamin A is necessary for shiny, well-moisturized head of hair, as well as promoting a healthy scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth."




  • Shiny, Healthy Hair


    "Your hair’s healthy growth depends on the overall health of your body and the nutrients you’re putting into it," says Snyder. "When there are limited nutrients to go around, your hair will inevitably suffer, because your hair isn’t an organ the body deems necessary for survival, you’ll be left with dull, brittle, hair."




  • Shiny, Healthy Hair: Pumpkin Seeds


    Extra credit: "Try beauty foods like pumpkin seeds, which are an excellent source of zinc, sulfur and vitamin A," notes Snyder. "These three compounds, taken together, are particularly helpful in building strong hair. They also contain B vitamins, which include biotin, an essential nutrient for strengthening hair, helping prevent thin and brittle hair, and increasing hair growth."




  • Stronger Nails


    "Your nails indicate how mineralized your body is," says Snyder. "Weak or ridged nails indicate mineral deficiencies. In ancient Eastern philosophy, some cultures believe that lack of a white half moon in each nail bed indicates low circulation and vitality in the body."




  • Stronger Nails: Leafy Greens


    "Be sure to eat beauty foods high in silica, which include leafy green vegetables, as well as a wide range of plant foods high in minerals and vitamins to grow strong, healthy nails," says Snyder.




  • Stronger Nails: Whole Grains


    Extra credit: Whole grains (preferably gluten-free), like millet, are also an excellent option, advises Snyder.




  • Hangover Cure


    "Eat lots of potassium," says Snyder. "Potassium is integral in balancing pH levels, maintaining proper fluid levels and the balancing of other minerals, like sodium -- which in excess amounts can dry out your skin or make it look puffy. Potassium-rich foods are important for good health because healthy levels of potassium encourage responsible waste elimination from the body and the assimilation of glucose for muscle energy."




  • Hangover Cure: Coconut Water


    "Drink coconut water, it is one of the best natural hydrators," says Snyder. "Dehydration can make the skin look dried out, withered and leathery, and may lead to signs of premature aging. The key nutrients contained in coconut water include lauric acid, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium."




  • Get Rid Of Dull Winter Skin


    "Dull skin may indicate congestion by way of a blocked, toxin-filled colon and/or gallbladder," says Snyder. "This usually means someone is consuming a lot of dairy or cooked animal or vegetable oils, or has a good diet, but is not cleansing as efficiently as they should be to keep up with the toxicity that their diet is kicking up."




  • Get Rid Of Dull Winter Skin: Spinach, Romaine, Celery, Apples & Bananas


    "To reverse this, add more fiber to your diet with the <a href="http://www.kimberlysnyder.net">Glowing Green Smoothie</a> (which includes spinach, romaine, celery, apples and bananas)," says Snyder. "Cut out or minimize dairy consumption, as dairy is extremely acid forming and cook with vegetable broth or bake instead of always cooking with oils (even olive oil), as oil is dense and too much can congest your system. You can get enough good fats in your diet from small amounts of avocados and other whole plant foods, but oils are always processed as they are not found naturally in nature."




  • Get Rid Of Dull Winter Skin: Pineapple


    "Pineapple is excellent in promoting efficient digestion, which is what soft beautiful skin is dependent on," says Snyder. "Pineapple is also high in vitamin C, which helps in the formation of collagen, a protein that helps grow new skin and blood vessels."




  • Get Rid Of Dull Winter Skin: Flax Seeds


    "Flaxseeds offer vital omega-2 fatty acids that supply the right ratio of essential fatty acids to your body, ensuring peak functioning," says Snyder. "Omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent inflammation, which can lead to dry damaged skin."




  • Prevent Breakouts And Acne


    "The liver filters toxins and pushes the waste to the colon," says Snyder. "But when these organs become overloaded with waste and toxins (from food), the toxins have to be pushed out through the skin, another eliminative organ, creating those ugly pimples called acne."




  • Prevent Breakouts And Acne: Coconut Yogurt


    "Try beauty foods like coconut yogurt, which contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics), and can help keep your system clean," says Snyder. "It is dairy-free, as dairy is difficult for many to digest and has been to shown to be a potential problematic trigger for acne.
"




  • Prevent Breakouts And Acne: Apple Cider Vinegar


    Extra Credit: "Raw apple cider vinegar is a strong digestive aid, helping to cure constipation and stimulating stomach acid, which aids in digestion and can help flush out toxins," says Snyder.




  • Prevent Acne And Breakouts: Onions


    Extra Credit: "Onions contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione, which is the most important antioxidant the liver uses for detoxification," says Snyder.




  • Get Rid Of Undereye Circles: Celery


    "The balanced levels of potassium and sodium can flush out excess bodily fluids, which can help reduce puffiness throughout the whole body and the delicate under-eye area," says Snyder. "A potent detoxifier, celery can help make the skin around the eyes (and the skin in general) look healthier."




  • Get Rid Of Undereye Circles: Bananas


    "Lack of beauty sleep is a big contributor to dark under-eye circles, and bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which helps ward off irritability and insomnia, as well as magnesium, which promotes better sleep patterns," says Snyder.





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