6 SINFULLY SWEET NOT-SO-SECRET HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

EAT DARK CHOCOLATE –  AND IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH!

Welcome back to WHAT’S ON THE #MENU MONDAY everyone. It’s the day after Valentine’s Day – and the perfect time to discuss the gift that keeps on giving – CHOCOLATE. Because, if you’re like nearly half of all Americans you received chocolate this year from your Valentine. And, you will most likely receive more as the year goes on – as this is one treat that never goes out of style.

In fact, did you know that according to the National Confectioners Association, retail sales of chocolate in the global market this year are expected to exceed 98 billion dollars? And, in the United States alone annual sales exceed 18 billion dollars a year – with the average American consuming 12 pounds of chocolate every 12 months!

Now, we’re all familiar with the downright fabulous taste and texture of this delicious culinary delight. And, the really good news is that it can actually be good for us! We’ve discussed chocolate several times over the years and we know that it’s much more than a pretty face. For in addition to simply tasting great, it can offer significant nutritional value and health benefits as well.

Now, remember dark chocolate is always best. In fact, many nutritionists recommend we stick to chocolate that has a cacao content of at least 30 to 40 percent. Some, however, recommend a cacao content of 60 to 70 percent. Also, remember that chocolate is high in fat. So, try to balance your desire for chocolate with the type and the amount you consume. And if we do this, just what can this culinary delight do for our emotional and physical well-being?

Well, here are 6 Sinfully Sweet Not-So-Secret Ways Dark Chocolate can improve our health:

1. Dark Chocolate is Bursting with Antioxidants. We all know the role antioxidants play in our overall health. They help protect us from free radicals – those harmful agents that damage our cells through oxidation – which can lead to a variety of cancers and promote aging.
2. Dark Chocolate Contains Important Minerals and Vitamins. Among these are copper and potassium, both of which help prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke. The iron found in chocolate protects us from iron deficiency and anemia. Similarly, the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent high blood pressure as well as heart disease. Also known as the anti-stress mineral, magnesium helps reduce stress hormone levels as well. And, theobromine, which is responsible for chocolate’s “feel good” effect can help harden tooth enamel, quiet a cough AND increase our energy.
3. Dark Chocolate Keeps Our Hearts Healthy. We have covered this before, but it bears repeating. A small amount of dark chocolate once every day or two can help lower blood pressure and lower our risk of developing blood clots. In fact, just two or three small bites of dark chocolate each week can decrease our risk for heart failure by as much as one third. And, thanks to the flavonoids found in cacao, a small piece of dark chocolate can increase the flexibility of arteries and veins, which over time can also lower our blood pressure and reduce our risk of heart attack and stroke by 39 percent!
4. Dark Chocolate Can Improve Digestion. Small amounts of dark chocolate produce a feeling of satiety that can decrease our cravings for sweet, fatty and salty foods that rob our bodies of nutrients. Moreover, because the flavonoids bind to a protein that aids digestion in the small intestine, dark chocolate also has the ability to prevent or reduce occasional diarrhea.
5. Dark Chocolate Can Help Control Blood Sugar. Now, this sounds a bit strange. But, dark chocolate with its high content of flavonoids increases nitric oxide production, which helps control insulin sensitivity. The flavonoids help our cells to function normally and use our body’s insulin efficiently. And, dark chocolate has a low glycemic index so it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
6. Dark Chocolate Is Good for Our Brain. First, dark chocolate improves blood flow throughout our bodies and to our brains. This helps improve our cognitive abilities and promotes clear thinking. Second, the chemical compound phenylethylamine or PEA stimulates the brain’s production of endorphins, which help reduce depression and elevate our mood. In fact, PEA is the same chemical our brain creates when we feel loving – or feel like we’re falling in love. In other words, dark chocolate quite simply makes us feel happy and healthy!

So, if you were lucky enough to receive a box of chocolate from your Valentine this year – and are looking forward to receiving many more boxes of chocolate throughout the year – enjoy it! Don’t feel guilty. Just, go for the dark pieces. Eat it in moderation. Exercise common sense. And in doing so, know that you are helping your body’s overall health – not hurting it.

Now, that’s a sweet note to end on. As always, thanks everyone for joining me. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and,

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!