Fight winter blues with chocolate

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOTV) - You crave it. I crave it. We ALL crave it, especially in the winter. I’m talking about chocolate. During periods of shorter days when sunlight is at a minimum, our bodies may need extra help producing enough of its “feel good” hormone, serotonin. When we have enough serotonin, we feel calm and happy.

We crave chocolate during the winter because it stimulates our body’s production of this hormone. Choose a dark chocolate for maximum health benefits and less sugar content.

Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants which protect the body from aging and it is good for cardio vascular health as well.

And, if you need yet another feel good reason to consume chocolate, consider this information by Chocolate Expert, David Wolfe: "Chocolate is the number one cash crop in the world. It is the best crop for keeping indigenous people in the jungle so we don't cut down our forests. Every time you choose to buy chocolate, you are voting with your money to save the rainforest, and it is a vote that counts.

There are many ways you can enjoy chocolate above and beyond the plain old chocolate bar. Grab your Valentine and head to my c hocolate dessert class , or make a warm and cozy pot of my m exicali  c hili , in which cocoa is my secret ingredient.

On a cold, dark winter’s day, let chocolate be your bright spot and you will be saving the planet in the process. That's a win-win way to fight the winter blues.