Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there’s no reason to a avoid indulging in a little chocolate, in fact eating dark chocolate may improve your health.
While chocolate is a high calorie food and should be limited to small portions, the antioxidants found especially in dark chocolate have been linked to a reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A Cambridge review of seven studies found that eating chocolate in small amounts frequently (more than twice a week), has also been shown to lower the risk of diabetes.
Besides tasting good and pairing well with red wine, chocolate stimulates the production of endorphin, which gives a sense of pleasure. It also contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant.
So watch’s the catch you may ask?
Most of the studies conducted used no more than 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces of chocolate daily.
Limiting consumption to small, frequent amounts will ensure this healthy habit doesn’t have you packing on extra pounds.
Skip the milk with your chocolate; drinking milk after eating chocolate may prevent the proper absorption of beneficial antioxidants.
Look for the least processed and most pure forms of dark chocolate. Filling and flavorings will add calories, sugar and fat which may negate any benefit you may be deriving from the chocolate itself.
Chocolate for Longevity
