Let's Talk Chocolate! If you know me, you know that I love chocolate, dark chocolate. Turns out, this is a good thing! Here's why.
Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cacao tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
Studies show that dark chocolate (not milk chocolate and not the sugary kind) can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease.
Just as we've said that not all essential oils are created equally, the same holds true for dark chocolate. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious.
Quality dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants. The flavanols in dark chocolate may improve blood flow and help to lower blood pressure. And the compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL.
Studies show that the bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may protect your skin against sun damage and improve blood flow to the skin. Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Getting back to quality, you'll want a dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content with small amounts of sugar and look for dark chocolate with very few ingredients. Quality dark chocolate contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.
Before you chocolate lovers get too excited, this doesn't mean we should all go out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. Have a square or two after dinner and really savor the flavor. To enjoy the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, try making hot cocoa without any cream or sugar.
In summary, chocolate tastes awesome while providing significant health benefits. But again, this applies only to quality dark chocolate. Only a few ingredients are required to make dark chocolate. Avoid brands made with trans fats or large amounts of sugar.
I think I'll have a piece of dark chocolate. Would you like to join me?
