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Chocolate...Chocolate...Chocolate Unless you are allergic to it, you probably enjoy Chocolate at least a few times a year. Valentine's Day
seems to be one of those. So before buying, or indulging, we thought you should know…there MAY be health benefits to that chocolate you are about to eat. Lots of research is being done on chocolate. Some by the chocolate industry, some by pharmaceutical companies and hopefully soon, some by the FDA.
Here's what we've known for a while:
v Chocolate tastes GOOD
v Chocolate stimulates endorphin production which equals PLEASURE
v Chocolate contains serotonin which is an ANTI-DEPRESSANT
v Chocolate contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which equals ENERGY
Now we also know:
v Chocolate contains flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants which are considered: HEART HEALTHY.
o Lowers blood pressure
o Lowers cholesterol levels
o
Improves blood flow ; prevents platelets from sticking together or clotting.
v A 40 gram serving of milk chocolate contains about 400mg of antioxidants; the same as a
glass of red wine. v Chocolate contains 3 kinds of fat:
o 1/3 oleic acid: healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil
o 1/3 stearic acid: a saturated fat that has NO effect on cholesterol
o 1/3 palmitic acid: a saturated fat with does raise cholesterol.
(so only 1/3 of Chocolate's fat is bad for you).
Okay…okay…okay There's lots of research still to be done. This doesn't mean chocolate has become its own food group, or that we have license to GORGE ourselves. It just helps with some of the guilt.
Remember:
1. Dark chocolate seems to be highest in antioxidants. Milk and white cannot make any health benefit claims.
2. There is some evidence that milk decrease the body's ability to absorb the antioxidants, so don't follow your chocolate with a glass of milk. 3. Moderation is key in everything we eat.
a. No established serving size of chocolate has been established that would provide specific heart health benefits.
b. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that those who eat chocolate up to three times each month live almost a year longer than those who eat TOO
much or those who STEER CLEAR of junk altogether.
4. If you are going to indulge in some chocolate, balance the calories; eat less of something else.
5. Don't forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries.
~~~~~~~~~More Info~~~~~~~~~
HolHealth Connections invites you experience the benefits that the exquisite care and maintenance of your inner and outer being can bring...contact us today for more info!
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