YOUR BEST LIFE by Sara Coleman CURRENTS file photo courtesy of Jamie Cowles
A Healthy Indulgence
Antioxidants, brain function boosts and more from chocolate
Healthy eating that includes chocolate? Yes, please! Nutritionists have long touted the health benefits of chocolate, and with Valentine’s Day here, what better time to indulge in something both delicious and beneficial? According to the website Healthline, chocolate—and specifically dark chocolate—is full of nutrients and antioxidants ready to improve our overall health. Dark chocolate contains both soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, iron and others. These nutrients are essential to a proper diet. But the benefits do not stop with fiber and minerals. Turns out, chocolate contains more antioxidants than most foods, even more than fruits such as blueberries or acai berries. These antioxidants are used by our body to fight off free radicals within, which can lead to harmful side effects such as infections. There is additional evidence pointing to chocolate as an aid for lowering blood pressure and improving risk factors for heart disease. Cocoa powder has been shown to increase HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and lower LDL levels (the “bad” cholesterol) for those struggling with their cholesterol numbers. Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce insulin resistance, further aiding in protection against heart disease and diabetes. If this isn’t enough to convince you, the stimulants in chocolate, specifically caffeine and theobromine, continue to show evidence of 28
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improving brain function. The chocolate aids in blood flow, which in turn, provides improved cognitive function. If you’re concerned about caffeine in chocolate, the caffeine intake is a fraction of what you find in a small cup of coffee. But not all chocolate is created equal. Look for dark chocolate made of 70 percent or higher cocoa. The higher the cocoa content, the less sugar it contains. If you’re acclimating your taste buds to dark chocolate, it may take time to get used to the flavor difference compared to the sugary, milk chocolate versions. You can enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate more than one way, which is especially helpful if you’re getting used to the bitter flavor. A square or two a day is all you need, or you can try a homemade hot chocolate (without added sugar). You can also add cacao nibs to your smoothies or breakfast bowls too. You’ll find healthier chocolate in a wide variety of places around town, from Harris Teeter and Publix to Fresh Market and Whole Foods. Or check out a local shop like Davidson Chocolate Co. for a truly special dark chocolate treat. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefitsdark-chocolate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained#what-they-are
