Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Fantastic Treatments in a fabulous salon with only the best Products and the very Best Beauty Therapists!
 
Health and Happiness

BRILLIANTLY BUSY DAYS

 , , , , , , 0

www.freedigitalimages.net

Can I, do I, should I are all thoughts that can whirl around our minds during a busy day when we don’t get enough time to stop and take a moment. A recent survey by RESCUE discovered that during a busy day 34% of people rarely stop to take a moment to help comfort themselves and gather their thoughts. While 42% wish they were more composed during a busy day.

Each and every day brings a number of choices, but what happens when confusion kicks in? In a world where worries, doubts, restlessness and hectic schedules have become a normal part of our day, how do we shift our minds from a ‘survive’ to ‘thrive’ mentality?

When your mind is calm, you think more clearly. With the pressures of our modern, fast-paced lifestyles, people often find themselves overwhelmed and confused.

Neil Shah from the Stress Management Society and Sally Wisbey, Nutritionist have come up with some tips to help give you feel cool, calm and collected so you can see the pros and cons of the situation:

  • Time out: taking mini breaks when you feel overwhelmed to enable you to remove yourself from the situation. Going outside for some fresh air, if possible, would be ideal as oxygen will help regain clarity and concentration.
  • Bellows Breath: Another way of getting blood and oxygen moving around the body and up to the brain is by practicing a simple breathing technique:

o Stand up straight in a comfortable position with your feet hip distance apart.

o Before starting the breathing have a look around the room; focus on the colour, sound, energy and how you feel.

o Inhale through the nose and raise arms out sideways. The diaphragm descends and belly pumps out as you do.

o Exhale through the mouth and bend arms in to ribs. We will be repeating this 30 times. 10 x slow, 10 x medium and 10 x fast.

o Take time to look around the room again. What changes do you notice?

What you eat and drink can also have a big impact on your mind and body so it’s important to be mindful about your diet and ensure you are eating the right foods. Nutritionist Sally Wisbey has these tips to help keep you feeling calm and relaxed:

  • Avoid processed and fast foods, fizzy drinks, caffeine and foods containing gluten, dairy and sugar as they strain the body.
  • Eat slowly and take time to enjoy your food! Many of us lead such busy lifestyles we eat on the go, walking, standing up or at our desks which can all put pressure on the digestive system. Take time out to sit down, away from work and be mindful about what you are eating, chewing your food thoroughly.
  • Instead of reaching for that sugary snack when you’re busy, stick the kettle on and make a cup of chamomile tea, know to have a calming effect.
  • It’s hard to believe that some chocolate is actually good for us! Rich in magnesium, dark chocolate helps relax the nervous system and make us feel calm. Snack on 1-2 squares of dark chocolate during the afternoon.
  • Take a moment out and pop a soothing RESCUE® Pastille into your mouth. RESCUE Pastilles provide a moment of calm and contain a combination of five Bach™ Original Flower Essences – Star of Bethlehem, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Cherry Plum.

 

RESCUE® is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett, independent pharmacies and health food stores, grocery stores nationwide and online.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Going Bust

 , , , , , 0

bustMany people have a daily beauty routine which starts at their hairline and stops at their chin, however the skin on your décolletage and your bust is equally as deserving of some care and attention. There are a number of reasons for loss of firmness in the bust area, such as age, breastfeeding, weight-loss and poor support from ill-fitting bras but putting a bit of life back into the area could be simpler than you think, allowing you to avoid expensive and painful surgical procedures.

Decleor Firming Gel-Cream Natural Glow

This firming gel not only works wonders on skin which has lost its natural oomph, but it also contains a gradual self-tanner which will build to give you a natural, all over colour. The cream will hydrate the skin as well as encouraging cell renewal and improving the skin’s elasticity. Smooth this over your body, concentrating on the bust area and make sure to wash your hands afterwards to avoid orange palms!

Dermalogica Extra Firming Booster

This intensive treatment from Dermalogica may not be suitable for treating your entire bust, but using on the décolletage and upper bust will certainly improve the appearance and firmness of the skin in these areas. The formula is packed with seaweed, vitamin C and protein peptides to give your skin a boost.

Decleor Prolagene Gel

Decleor’s Prolagene Gel is a potent multitasking product which contains the amino acid Proline L, a chemical which is similar in its make-up to plant collagen and will speed up cell renewal to improve the look of stretch marks and scarring in addition to loose skin. This product is particularly recommended for use after weight loss and pregnancy and can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of loose skin.

Decleor Sculpt Firming Body Serum

This body serum has a seriously luxurious feel and provides both preventative and corrective treatment against sagging skin and stretchmarks, making it perfect for the bust area. The formula was actually specifically made for pregnant women and has been extensively tested by skin experts and gynaecologists, who have deemed this product totally safe for use whilst pregnant.

Decleor Sculpt Firming Balm

Another product in the Decleor Sculpt line, which is ideal for use during pregnancy, this balm is best used in the evening after a shower and can be used on all areas, especially the tummy and bust to fight the signs of stretched skin. It also provides a deeply moisturising action, which can be a great relief during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy when skin can become dry and itchy.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Be Vitamin D Aware

 , , , , , , , , , , , 0

www.freedigitalimages.net

Did you know that one third of UK adults spend less than an hour per day outdoors? This was the findings of new research conducted ahead of National Vitamin D Awareness Week by Pharma Nord (www.pharmanord.co.uk).

A further 50 per cent of the 650 people surveyed in the poll said they spend less than two hours per day outdoors, while just 5 per cent spend more than four hours outside.

Around 90% of our vitamin D requirement needs to be created in the skin in response to strong sunlight. Up to 50 per cent of UK adults are thought to be deficient in this vital ‘sunshine’ vitamin, with the highest rates of deficiency in Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland due to limited sun exposure.

Vitamin D deficiency costs the UK taxpayer £29 billion annually – more than a quarter of the NHS budget. Despite the prevalence of deficiency, three quarters of UK adults admit that they have never had a vitamin D test, either through a GP or a self-test.

The importance of vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with symptoms often more apparent and severe during winter.

A lack of vitamin D is also associated with poor immune health, susceptibility to colds and flu and tiredness and fatigue.

The new survey from Pharma Nord, developers of oil-based vitamin D supplement Bio-Vitamin D3, has revealed that:

Two thirds of those surveyed suffer with low mood or depression, which becomes worse during the winter months.

More than half of UK adults admit that they often feel tired and regularly catch colds and flu during the winter months.

One in ten catch three to five common viruses such as colds, flu and stomach bugs per year; and

Only 13 per cent are not affected by seasonal illnesses.

Commenting on the research, Dr Chris Steele, medical doctor and ITV This Morning’s resident GP said: “There needs to be greater awareness of the risk of vitamin D deficiency in the UK. While all of us could be affected, the higher risk groups include those aged over 65, pregnant and breastfeeding women, ethnic minorities, children and people who spend large amounts of time indoors.

“I would urge all UK adults, and particularly people in these groups, to discuss with their GP a vitamin D test and the taking of a high quality vitamin D supplement. There is often confusion over the best form of vitamin D to take, so look for vitamin D3 as this form is identical to the kind produced naturally in the skin. Also oil-based capsules can be more easily absorbed by the body compared to dry, chalky tablets.”

Berni Taylor, 47, an account manager at a digital printing agency suffered with vitamin D deficiency before taking Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3. Berni explains: “I went to my GP for a blood test which revealed I was vitamin D deficient. I had no idea that this would be the case so was quite shocked. My GP recommended that I take Bio-Vitamin D3 daily. Now I feel a lot better in myself and have noticed that I have more energy. As we head into winter I’m hopeful that my immune system will be stronger and I’ll catch fewer colds and flu as I am no longer deficient in vitamin D. I would advise you to consider taking a vitamin D test as you could be living with deficiency like me. I have really noticed a difference since taking a daily supplement.”

Dr David Mantle, medical adviser at Pharma Nord added: “Common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include tiredness or fatigue, low mood particularly during the winter months and a greater susceptibility to colds and flu. That said, worryingly, there are a large number of people like Berni living with deficiency and completely unaware. The only way to know for sure is to be tested for deficiency.”

Health and Happiness

How to Prevent Cold Sores

 , , , , 0

Cold SoreIf you’re a sufferer of cold sores you’ll know that, not only can they be painful and unsightly, they can be quite tricky to treat and are usually something that you’re never really rid of. Cold sores come from the Herpes Simplex virus and can be totally symptomless until you have a breakout, which means you’re never usually prepared for when this might happen. According to the NHS website “Cold sores often start with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your mouth. Small fluid-filled sores will then appear, most commonly on the edges of your lower lip.”.

There are a few things that you can do to help avoid having an outbreak so we thought we’d give you a few simple tips for keeping cold sores at bay.

Don’t let your lips get dry

Cold sores can often develop on areas of cracked or chapped skin, so ensuring that you protect your lips in the winter with a good lip balm is essential. We recommend Decleor Nourishing Lip Balm which will smooth and soften chapped lips and prevent any further chapping in cold weather.

Avoid L-Arginine

Believe it or not, there are certain foods which will exacerbate cold sores because they contain high levels of an amino acid called L-Arginine. Foods such as gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and white flour, peanuts, soybeans and wheatgerm all contain high levels of L-Arginine so excessive consumption should be avoided in order to prevent an outbreak.

Take an L-Lysine Supplement

The good news is, not all amino acids are bad; taking the recommended dose of L-Lysine can inhibit the activity of the herpes simplex virus and help you to reduce the chances of having an outbreak. L-Lysine can be taken as a tablet but can also be found in fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer’s yeast, mung bean sprouts and most fruits and vegetables.

DON’T TOUCH!

When you have a painful area on your body, it’s human nature to touch it, but this is the easiest way to spread the virus around your mouth and cause more blisters to appear. Cold sores are at their most contagious during the blister phase and the virus is actually contained within the fluid inside the blister, so avoid picking if you don’t want more – and remember, herpes can affect other parts of your body too, even your fingers.

Take Care of Yourself

The most important thing you can do to prevent an outbreak is taking care of yourself. Cold sores are the ultimate “adding insult to injury” condition in that they often appear when you’re at your lowest ebb with stress or illness. Bolster your immune system with a good multivitamin, a healthy balanced diet and try to keep life as stress free as possible to keep these annoying little blighters at bay.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Colouring for adults, really?

 , , , , , , , 0

freedigitalimages.netIt’s official, the colouring books we used to spend hours doodling in during our youth are making a comeback.

2015 has seen a fast, and unexpected, rise in the sales of coloring books for adults, so much so they are currently considered to be the ‘in thing’. Turning off screens, sitting down and colouring in the lines has captured the imaginations of thousands of people across the country and the trend keeps on growing.

Psychologists believe the reason colouring is popular is because it calms the mind and takes our focus away from stress and problems, whilst stimulating motor skills, senses and creativity and they could be right:

‘I feel wonderfully calm after a colouring session. ‘

Julie

‘It gets me away from work and takes me to somewhere I feel much calmer.”

Jo

“I love that this classic activity has come back into fashion so we can enjoy it all over again.”

Di

We have had a look at the ideas behind the phenomenon that is the adult colouring book and why they are actually really quite good for you:

They relieve stress and anxiety
Working with your hands is a fantastic way to soothe anxiety and get ride of unwanted stress. As our lives get busier and more hectic, with extra demands being piled upon us all of the time, it is little wonder we get bogged down. It is vital to find a little ‘me time’ and just ten minutes of sitting down and colouring can make a massive different to your headspace. Just like a little meditation, it will give you the chance to escape from the 9 to 5 chaos and come back to centre, focus and even breath.

Put the Gadgets Down
Whether it is desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, Sat Navs or TVs we simply can’t get away from gadgets these days. A coloring book is an easy, simple, cost effective way to escape from screens. Turn any screens off (you aren’t allowed to have a quick look), go into another room and start to draw. No, colouring apps on smartphones and tablets aren’t the same, you need paper.

When You Were Young
There is something enchanting and memory provoking about sitting down with a shiny, new coloring book with sharpened pencils whatever your age. It might be simple but that blank canvas and the opportunity to create something amazing is pretty powerful.

Go your own way
We know we are stating the obvious, but it is your coloring book so you can do it your own way without worrying what anyone else thinks. They don’t even have to know what you are doing. Whether you want to go dark and gothic or strike out with vibrant reds and oranges, do it your way and you will feel so much better for it.

Train Your Brain
Did you know that coloring in requires the two hemispheres of your brain to communicate? Well, it does and this helps improves your fine motor skills as well as your vision. Some professionals also think that colouring in, just like crosswords and puzzles, can help delay or prevent the onset of dementia, which has to be another reason for taking the drawing plunge?

If you haven’t caught up with this trend, go out now and buy a book and pack of pencils and let your worries disappear. At the end of the day, coloring is all about having fun and we all need a bit of that in our lives.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness

Bathe Your Way to Beautiful Skin

 , , , 0

relaxing bathAt this time of year, when the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, there’s nothing nicer at the end of a hard day than slipping into a hot bath and letting your troubles drift away. Pure Beauty offer a number of products which take your bath from mediocre to mini-spa in just a few simple steps – here are a few of our favourites:

Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts

This product is a multi-purpose salt which can either be used as a scrub to slough away dead skin, or as a mineral salt when dissolved into the water, for deep relaxation. It contains a unique blend of essential oils which not only revitalise the skin but also help your muscles to unwind. Whether you choose to scrub or soak, your skin will feel soft and smooth when you eventually get out of the bath!

Decleor Toning Shower and Bath Gel

Another versatile product, this bath and shower gel can either be added to running water to be used as a soak, or lathered up and used for washing in the shower and is especially good if you live in a hard water area. It contains lemon, lavender and seaweed extract which will revitalise your skin and awaken your senses, making it ideal if you’re trying to clear your head after a long day.

Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil

This therapeutic oil is designed to soothe both body and mind, and blends sandalwood, lavender, orange and clary sage, as well as tea tree, lemon and ylang-ylang. It can be used as a massage oil or added to a bath to aid relaxation and condition the skin. It can also be used to massage directly into the scalp which will target areas of extreme tension.

Decleor De Bain Bath Oil

This bath oil may appear to be a tiny amount but it’s super concentrated and a little goes a really long way. In fact, this 100ml bottle is enough for 30 baths! The oils are designed to revitalise and replenish the skin whilst relaxing the mind and muscles.

Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream

Once you’re out of the bath, you’ll want the feelings of wellbeing to continue and you can do that by cocooning your skin in a layer of Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream. This deeply moisturising cream will replenish and repair extra-dry or sensitised skin without leaving an unpleasant greasy residue and contains panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), which aids in cellular repair. A little goes a long way, so only pump a small amount into the hand as you don’t want to waste this gorgeous product!

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Rosacea – The Low Down

 , , , , , , , , 0

www.freedigitalimages.netRosacea is a common, but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face and whilst it doesn’t cause scaring it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

What causes rosacea?
The medical profession doesn’t fully understand Rosacea, but many believe it is to do with in the blood vessels in the skin of the face, which dilate too easily, and a reaction to microscopic mites commonly found on the face. Rosacea tends to be reoccurring so there will be times when the symptoms are really bad, but at other times it is less of an issue.

Who gets Rosacea?
It tends to be more common in women than in men, and in those with a fair skin who flush easily and whilst there does seem to be a link of Rosacea in families, there’s no concrete evidence that it is heredity.

What are the symptoms of Rosacea?
Symptoms often start with the flushing of the skin where it turns red for a short amount of time. Other sings comes out as time passes and include:

  • burning
  • stinging
  • long lasting, deep redness of the skin
  • small red bumps (papules) and spots
  • blood vessels on the skin becoming visible – this is called telangiectasia
  • eyes can be effected and if this happens contact your GP

How is Rosacea diagnosed?
GPs are very good at recognising Rosacea simply by looking at the skin, but there are no specific tests.

Can Rosacea be avoided?
Sufferers find it very hard to stop outbreaks but they find avoiding any known triggers reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. Some of the most common triggers include:

  • high levels of stress
  • strenuous exercise
  • sunlight
  • very hot drinks
  • extreme weather conditions (hot and cold)
  • hot drinks
  • alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods

Are there any long-term effects of Rosacea?
Rosacea doesn’t cause scaring but it can:

  • Lead to embarrassment, anxiety, or depression, and a disrupted social life.
  • Cause swelling of the face (lymphoedema), especially around the eyes.
  • Make the nose red and bulbous (rhinophyma) because of the overgrowth of the sebaceous glands.
  • Cause red, itchy, sore eyes and eyelids and experience a gritty feeling and sensitivity to light. A small number of sufferers have more serious eye problems, such as rosacea keratitis that can affect vision so this needs to be seen by a GP or specialist.

Can Rosacea be cured?
There is no magic cure for this condition but long-term treatments, used as early as possible, can help control symptoms and
clear the symptoms.

Skincare
The skincare techniques below may help control your rosacea symptoms.

  • Clean skin morning and evening with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser is a soothing, pH-balanced gel/cream helps calm and cool the redness, heat and discomfort of rosacea.
  • Rinse the skin with lukewarm water and allow it to dry before applying medication or make-up.
  • Try to find products for sensitive skin that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
  • Using a gentle moisturiser can soothe sore skin.
  • Use water-based make-up and skin products.
  • Avoid products that contain ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, eucalyptus oil, camphor, clove oil, peppermint, sodium lauryl sulphate and lanolin.
  • Once you have found products that work with your skin, try to stick to them and only introduce something new slowly.
  • Men may find an electric razor, rather than a blade, helps reduce skin irritation.
  • Sometimes you can use specially designed “camouflage” make-up and the charity Changing Faces offers a free skin camouflage service, to help with the use of these creams.

What if it just doesn’t get better?
If you are worried talk to your GP who can offer more help or send you to see a dermatologist for further advice.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

The Top 5 Causes of Sensitive Skin

 , 0

Sensitive SkinHaving sensitive skin on your face can be difficult to deal with, in more ways than one. From a practical point of view, finding products which don’t irritate your skin is easier said than done and from a confidence point of view, areas of redness and feelings of tightness can make you feel self-conscious. There are several factors which can make sensitive skin worse, so we thought we’d take a look at those triggers in the hope that avoiding them will help minimise your symptoms.

Daily pollutants

Believe it or not, just being out and about in areas with environmental pollution can increase the effects of skin sensitivity, which means that you’ll need a good, gentle cleanser to rid your skin of any nasties which may be clinging on after a busy day in the city. Dermalogica’s UltraCalming System offers several products which will help.

Hormones

Most women will be well aware that breakouts can be worse in the lead up to, or during, ‘that’ time of the month, but overall sensitivity can be worse too, thanks to the body releasing certain hormones which mess with the skin’s natural balance of oils. Try to use gentle products such as Decleor Harmonie Calm Soothing Milky Cream which will soothe and soften sensitive skin.

Diet and Hydration

Eating unhealthy foods and not drinking enough water are two of the most common causes of skin sensitivity. Anything which is too salty will cause the body to draw moisture away from other parts to help flush the salt through the system and failing to replace it will exacerbate dryness and sensitivity. Ensure you eat well and keep fluid levels up if you’re prone to sensitive skin.

Hard Water

It may sound crazy but something as simple as washing in water from a hard water area can increase tightness and dryness of the skin. This is because hard water contains certain diluted elements which make it highly alkaline, which messes with the skin’s natural pH balance. If you live in a hard water area, using a product such as Decleor Harmonie Calm Comforting Milky Gel-Cream Mask will help to soothe your face.

Central Heating

This time of year can play havoc with sensitive skin, as going from cold air to centrally heated homes and offices will dry your skin out faster than you can say ‘Dermalogica’! There’s not a whole lot you can do to prevent this as heated homes are a fact of life, but using a good moisturiser and staying well hydrated is a good start.

Health and Happiness

Get on your bike

  0

www.freedigitalimages.netUnless you have been hiding, it is impossible not to have noticed the number of cyclists out on the road these days, especially on a sunny day. Over the past few years, in the shadows of the London Olympics, Tour de France in Yorkshire and Sir Bradley Wiggins’ sideburns, people of all ages and from all walks of life have been getting out on two wheels.

As well as being fun, invigorating and liberating, regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. It can also improve your mood and keep your weight under control.

If you haven’t been on bike for a while, or maybe you have never travelled on two wheels, this guide will provide you with tips on how to love cycling whilst keeping safe and staying motivated.

Before you start peddling
This might sound a bit OTT but although cycling is a pretty safe form of exercise, if you do have any medical concerns, make an appointment to see your GP before you start.

The Bike
If you are only going to be cycling short journeys, your current bike may will do. Whether it is a 10-speed racer, practical shopping bike or an old mountain bike, they could do the job whilst you are deciding whether you actually like being on the road. Make sure you dust it down, have it serviced to be sure it is safe and consider adding a gel saddle for comfort.

If you don’t have a bike then why not think about going for second-hand one for now? Make sure it is the right size for you and once you have bought it make sure you have it serviced at your local bike shop to ensure it’s roadworthy.

If you decide to bite the bullet and buy a new bike, be sure to do your research. Think about what you are going to use the bike for and set a budget and this will help you keep on track; if you want to head off into the woods at the weekend, a pretty Victoria Pendleton road bike isn’t going to do the job.

Hybrids, road bikes and mountain bikes are the most popular and whether you go to a High Street chain or independent shop, there should be experts on hand to help you decide which bike is best for you and also make sure you get the size right.

Some businesses offer a cycle to work scheme, which is an affordable way of buying a new bike and safety equipment so do see if this is available for you.

Keep Safe
All too often two and four wheels collide and it is more often the cyclist who comes off worst so you need to be safe:

  • Practice cycling in a safe, quiet place if you haven’t ridden for a while or are a total beginner
  • Make sure you can ride single-handed as you will need to make hand signals
  • Get comfortable looking over both shoulders to improve your visual awareness
  • Wear a helmet that fits well
  • Be seen and wear high vis’ clothing and fit lights
  • Add a bell to your bike so you can be heard
  • Be alert and plan your route
  • Always follow the Highway Code – you are as much of a road user as a car or lorry driver so it is a good idea to know what is right and what is wrong
  • Do not wear earphones, this is very dangerous
  • As well as you being safe, buy a decent lock as bike theft is on the rise and can be an upsetting and expensive experience

Keep it up
After the initial burst of enthusiasm has worn off, making cycling a regular habit is the best way to keep going.

Cycle to work
is cheap, fun, green and a great way to fit exercise into your day. Plan your route, see if there are showers at your place of work and keep spare clothes and a raincoat in your locker just incase.

Cycle to school
is the perfect way of getting your children to be more involved in your hobby. Cycling can help children’s health, fitness, confidence and concentration and it is fun to do something together.

Go out and about on your bike and explore the area where you live, or jump on a train and see somewhere new.

There are many wonderful places to cycle in cities and the countryside. Sustrans offer free information about cycling across the country and they are worth a look.

Make it sociable and go out riding with friends. This is the perfect way to get some exercise, tone up and catch up with a coffee afterwards. You can also join a bike club and this is a brilliant way to stay motivated, make new friends and experience the great outdoors.

Whatever you do, have fun, get fit and keep safe.

 

Health and Happiness

The Benefits of Chocolate

 , , 0

chocolateEating a large amount of poor quality chocolate is never going to be a good thing for your skin, blood sugar and digestion, however the old adage of “all things in moderation” still applies and as long as you choose a quality chocolate with a high cocoa content, there can be health benefits as well as pleasure. We thought we’d take a look at the benefits of chocolate so that you can still indulge without feeling too guilty!

Antioxidants

Flavenoids are powerful antioxidants which are important for the body and can help to fight viruses, allergies, inflammation and even cancer and recent research has shown that chocolate contains the highest levels of flavonoids of almost any food. Inflammation is a key factor in the appearance of ageing, so eating chocolate can legitimately help you to stay looking younger!

Theobromines

You may be familiar with the word ‘theobromine’ as it’s the part of chocolate which can have dire consequenses for dogs. However, in humans, theobromine can have powerful effects on reversing the effects of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy as it is a strong vasodilator. It’s also been linked with the prevention of birth defects as well as other pregnancy complications.

Depression

Eating chocolate to excess can obviously lead to weight gain, which can be linked with a spike in depressive symptoms. However, eating a small amount of 70% cocoa chocolate can be linked with the reduction of the symptoms of depression. This is because chocoloate stimulates the body to release endorphins, the natural hormones which make humans feel happy, so when you’re having a bad day and reach for a bar of chocolate, it’s your body’s way of trying to make you happy again…in more than one way!

Heart Disease

Dark chocolate, containing 70% cocoa or more, can be a great ally in the fight to stay heart-healthy. The same compounds which help with pre-eclampsia also help to protect the heart by improving blood flow around your most important muscle. The compound responsible is called nitric oxide, however it’s also important to remember that milk can stop it from being absorbed by the gut, so try to avoid a glass of the white stuff with your chocolate treat!

UV protection

Surprisingly, chocolate has also been found to protect the skin. Researchers at a German university found a link between a compound in chocolate and UV rays, and after weeks of research concluded that chocolate eaters had less redness and skin damage after six weeks of ultraviolet light exposure. This doesn’t mean that you can eat a bar of Green and Blacks instead of slathering on sun lotion whilst you’re on holiday though!