Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and the aisles at your favorite stores are most likely filled with pink-foiled chocolates and sweet candies. But what should you eat if you’re on a diet or are avoiding sugary sweets? Thankfully, chocolate is actually much healthier than you may think. It just takes some research and a minute or two to read labels until you find a chocolate bar that really does provide health benefits
When eaten in moderation, quality dark chocolate really can provide health benefits. Dark chocolate and cocoa that are filled with at least 70 percent cacao (or cocoa) are powerful for your health. They are filled with powerful antioxidants and can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, and it can even improve several risk factors for heart disease. Indulge in about 7 ounces of dark chocolate per week to receive these amazing health benefits!
If you’re trying to lose weight, dark chocolate can even assist in weight loss. Dark chocolate lessens cravings for salty, fatty, or sweet junk foods, so split 7 ounces of dark chocolate into smaller portions for snacking on throughout the week whenever you get a craving for something unhealthy.
If you’re looking to buy a gift for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, don’t give into the unhealthy bars of chocolate that you find in the pink-shaped boxes. Instead, look for good quality dark chocolate, and maybe even dip organic strawberries into melted dark chocolate for something different and healthy! Let the chocolate set and then package them yourself.
When you are shopping for good quality dark chocolate, watch out for the words “processed with alkali”, which means that the chocolate contains less flavanols. The more flavanols in your chocolate, the better. Your chocolate bar should also be organic and even better, fair trade. Some reputable brands are Sweetriot, Ghirardelli, Green & Blacks, Valrhona, Chocolove, Endangered Species, and Taza.
Eating healthy and watching your weight doesn’t mean that you have to give up chocolate, and it may even be a great way to reward yourself after a good workout. Spend some time working out and then treat yourself to a piece of chocolate (or two).
If you are looking to learn more about nutrition, health, and wellness, contact Premier Health Chiropractors. We offer many programs and services that can help you to feel your very best. Our natural, non-invasive methods are great for getting to the root of medical conditions rather than masking the underlying issues with medications. Contact us today!