Is Dark Chocolate Really Healthy?
Make dark chocolate your indulgence of choice, and consider organic dark chocolate that contains at least 75% cocoa. Not only will you be solving your sweet tooth craving, but you will be providing your body with heart and brain health benefits and in turn reduce blood pressure, inflammation and increase blood flow.
Why does Chocolate Make Us Feel Good?
Chocolate contains over 500 natural mood-elevating chemicals with theobromine at the top of the list. It’s a molecular cousin to caffeine but without the stimulating effects to the central nervous system. Chocolate also contains Phenylethylamine (PEA) which when eaten releases endorphins or “feel good chemicals”. That, along with serotonin, will have you feeling fine!
Chocolate For Your HEART
Yes, dark chocolate is low on the glycemic index(the measure of a food item’s impact on one’s blood sugar level). It is loaded with antioxidants, like polyphenols and flavenols, which are plant compounds. Studies have shown that dark chocolate and cocoa may improve blood flow and keep blood vessels healthy and improve our cells’ sensitivity to insulin and glucose. The cocoa found in chocolate triggers the production of nitric oxide in the blood which relaxes and dilates blood vessels allowing more blood to pass through them. In addition, these flavenoids found in cocao beans, red wine, green tea and cranberries are good to keep your blood pressure under control and your LDL’s or bad cholesterol levels in check. They help prevent free radicals from causing cell damage leading to heart disease.
So, for Valentine’s Day this year… enjoy your chocolate… in moderation of course!
Dr Iris Rosenfeld
Rosenfeld Wellness Center
23121 Plaza Pointe Drive Suite 150
Laguna Hills, Ca 92653
949-380-7215
DrIris@DrIris.com
