Imagine my surprise when I read that research showed that eating 2 ounces of dark chocolate a day with a minimum content of 70% cocoa can be beneficial to my health and yours. They even said a 1 1/2-ounce square of chocolate may have as many cancer-fighting antioxidants as a 5-ounce glass of red wine.
Benefits of dark chocolate:
~ Lowers Blood Pressure – Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, which helps to regulate blood flow, inflammation and blood pressure.
~ Lowers Cholesterol – Unlike the saturated fats found in meat and dairy, the saturated fats in dark chocolate do not elevate cholesterol levels.
~ Stimulates endorphin production.
~ Contains serotoin, which acts as an anti-depressant.
~ Contains theobramine and caffeine, which are stimulants.
“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 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.” As stated in the article Health Benefits of Chocolate.
So what are you waiting for? Go buy some dark chocolate today and sit back, relax and enjoy!