First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!!
Second, keep your heart happy and healthy.
Third, let's talk about how dark chocolate is good for your heart.
So why is dark chocolate good for me?
- Dark chocolate can increase blood flow by widening the arteries.
- Can help prevent buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, which is a main cause of heart disease.
- The flavenols in dark chocolate (which are also in red wine and tea) are antioxidants that prevent cell damage by reducing free radicals.
- In one study published in 2006, men who consumed the most cocoa products reduced their risk of dying from heart disease by half.
- Also, chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA) which may cause the pleasurable feeling associated with eating chocolate.
- Surprisingly, dark chocolate is a low glycemic index food and will not cause a spike in blood sugar, which is especially important for people with diabetes. Be aware that the chocolate should be dark (more than 60-70% cocoa) and not have tons of sugar in it.
- Because flavenols produce nitric oxide, which allows arteries to open, dark chocolate is associated with a lower blood pressure.
- Happy chocolate eating!
Reference:
AllChocolate.com
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