Why You Should Eat Dark Chocolate

We think of chocolate and we think of weight and fat. Maybe it's just
the opposite when this wonder food is eaten in moderation and used wisely
in a daily food plan.



Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health
benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act
as antioxidants.


Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can
cause damage that leads to heart and other disease. Dark chocolate contains a large
number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries).
Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric
oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.


Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate:


Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help
keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well.



Lower Blood Pressure:


Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday
can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.
Lower Cholesterol:


Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad
cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.
it tastes good
it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure
it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant
it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are
stimulants.


According to Mayo Clinic.com, “When you eat enticing foods , such as dark
chocolate, your body releases trace amounts of mood and satisfaction
elevating hormones.”


Chocolate Tip 1 - Balance the Calories:


This information doesn't mean that you should eat a pound of chocolate a
day. Chocolate is still a high-calorie, high-fat food. Most of the studies
done used no more than 100 grams, or about 3.5 ounces, of dark chocolate a
day to get the benefits. One bar of dark chocolate has around 400 calories.
If you eat half a bar of chocolate a day, you must balance those 200
calories by eating less of something else. Cut out other sweets or snacks
and replace them with chocolate to keep your total calories the same.


Chocolate Tip 2 - Taste the Chocolate:


Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each
bite. To really enjoy and appreciate chocolate, take the time to taste it.Eat it slow
and you will not over eat. We usually over eat when we eat fast.

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Chocolate Tip 3 - Go for Dark Chocolate:


Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate.
These other two chocolates cannot make any health claims. Dark chocolate
has 65 percent or higher cocoa content.


Chocolate Tip 4 - Skip the Nougat:


You should look for pure dark chocolate or dark chocolate with nuts, orange
peel or other flavorings. Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other
fillings. These fillings are just adding sugar and fat which erase many of
the benefits you get from eating the chocolate.


Chocolate Tip 5 - Avoid Milk:


It may taste good but some research shows that washing your chocolate down
with a glass of milk could prevent the antioxidants being absorbed or used
by your body. (Sources: Chocolate Manufacturers Association; Journal of the
American Medical Association. )


There you go. You now have an idea for a healthy dessert at night. I would
recommend eating a piece of dark before bedtime, to keep your metabolism
working thru your sleep.


The higher the percentage of dark, the better it is for you. (64% and
above).


The next time you need to reach out for a comfort food ( emotional eating),
reach out for a piece or two of dark.