x
It is a known fact many active chemicals, flavonoids, and antioxidants in cocoa provide lots of health benefits. Specifically, the antioxidants in chocolate help blood vessels expand and regulate the flow of blood, which helps blood pressure.
That is good news for “us” chocolate lovers.
Dark chocolate eaten per day lowers blood pressure which significantly reduces cardiovascular risks like heart attacks or strokes.
Chemicals in cocoa triggered sensors in the brain similarly to cannabis. Chocolate helps release endorphins, a type of neurotransmitter that increases “pleasant” feelings.
Chocolate is also great brain food – seniors like myself who drink two cups of hot cocoa per day for a month performed better on memory and thinking tests than those who didn’t drink hot cocoa. The cocoa drinkers also showed improved blood flow to our brains.
Dark chocolate vs. milk chocolate
Numerous studies agree – dark chocolate is good for your health. Milk chocolate can be loaded with more sugar and cholesterol. But dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and flavonoids, making it a healthier choice.
Personally one of my favorite chocolates has been Hersey Special Dark, actually I prefer it to the more expensive varieties that one can find.
Like anything else eat in moderation, eating too much even of a good thing can drive your caloric intake to higher levels.
Perhaps after eating a few bites, take a twenty-minute walk; it will burn those extra calories and make you feel better as waking is a great stress reliever.
You can purchase chocolates just about anywhere, including online for those hard to find luxury chocolates.
I’ve included some links to Amazon for your convenience and from chocolate.com one of the leading online merchants.
Enjoy and reap the health benefits that chocolate offers.
Quote of the week – “Be vigilant; guard your mind against negative thoughts.”
Dan
