Chocolate is good for you

               Chocolate Is Good For You

Finally, some good health news for something other than brussel spouts or broccoli, like them too, but wouldn’t we all prefer a small piece of chocolate guilt free?

Dark Chocolate

For maximum benefits, eat 100 grams or 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate per day

·        Cardiovascular Health: Studies show that eating chocolate, primarily dark Chocolate, may contribute to improved cardiovascular health.   It can result in enhanced blood flow, healthy cholesterol levels and in some cases, reduced blood press.

·        Blood Pressure:  Flavanoids found in dark chocolate relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

·        Lower Cholesterol:  Dark Chocolate has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol.

·        Antioxidants:   It is a source of natural flavanol antioxidants.  Dark Chocolate and cocoa are as good for you as green tea and blueberries.  It’s because chocolate comes from the cacao or cocoa bean which grows on the cacao tree, and are full of natural plant nutrients.   Dark Chocolate has the highest percentage of cocoa solids, and therefore delivers more flavanol antioxidants.   These plant compounds act as antioxidants in food and may reduce the risk of many kinds of illness, from heart disease to cancer.  Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease.  Dark Chocolate contains 8 times more antioxidants than strawberries.

·        Green Tea, Red Wine –Dark Chocolate and cocoa contain cell-protecting flavanol antioxidant compounds.  Two tablespoons of natural cocoa have more antioxidant capacity that 3 ½ cups of green tea, ¾ of blueberries and 1 1/3 glass of red wine.

·        Additional Benefits: it stimulates endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure/kit contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant.

Milk Chocolate:   

The down side, is dark chocolate is the one.  The milk chocolate does not have the same affect.

White Chocolate:  

The down side, is dark chocolate is the one.  The white chocolate does not have the same affect.

One tip, researches say to avoid milk with your dark chocolate-it prevents antioxidants from being absorbed.

 So, eat healthy, and eat chocolate !