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Chocolate....Need I Say More?
by: AndreaDow
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Rarely does a word or food evoke such strong emotions as our beloved chocolate. Just mentioning chocolate can make your mouth water and sweet toothe ache. The consistency, flavor and ability of this food to satisfy our cravings is a force to be reakoned with. Recently Health Magazine reported about a Bristish study on the percentage of people who were willing to trade their office-computer password for a candy bar......a whopping 71% preferred getting their chocolate fix over keeping their password a secret! It also comes as no surprise that the most popular vending machine purchase is the Snickers bar.
We have talked about the health benefits of chocolate before, but a friendly reminder never hurt anyone, right?! The best way to reap the health benefits of chocolate is to consume products that contain at least 70% cocoa. Products with less than this amount usually contain much higher quantities of saturated fat, sugar and hydrogenated oils. Chocolate also contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Important compounds called flavinoids, found mostly in plant-based foods, are thought to have antioxidant properties to help prevent free radical damage. Flavonoids can also improve platelet function which plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Other foods that contain these powerful flavinoids are found in wine, tea, fruits and vegetables. Lastly, eating chocolate helps to release endorphins which gives us that infamous "runner's high" feeling. Chocolate also contains seretonin, a neurotransmitter, which helps act as a natural anti-depressant. No wonder we want more! Researches are still trying to determine all the different chemicals that chocolate contains and why they make us feel so good.
Before you call your sweetie to encourage a yummy gift of chocolate this Valentine's Day, request the following healthy tips:
*Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
*Request 70% cocoa content.
*Ask for the least processed chocolate possible to avoid losing all the healthy flavonoid benefits. Most commercial chocolate is too processed.
*Chewy caramel-marshmallow-nut-covered dark chocolate is not the best option...stick with the plain stuff.
*Ask your sweetie to check out this chocolate fondue for two recipe:
*Eat chocolate in moderation. Despite chocolate's health benefits, it is relatively high in calories and fat.
*Try some yummy organic options: Dagoba and Green and Blacks.
Even if you dislike cupid, his arrow and the fact this is just another Hallmark holiday, take advantage of the excess of great chocolate products in the stores this week. Happy Valentine's Day to all!
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