Who wouldn't be happy to learn that a small amount of cocoa and dark chocolate may actually be good for your body? The Aztecs were way ahead of us!
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Cocoa beans are full of plant chemicals called flavanols. Flavanols are antioxidants that may reduce blood platelet stickiness and help prevent blood clots. According to the American Dietetic Association, Cocoa and dark chocolate may actually have up to 10x more antioxidant power than other antioxidant rich foods! Cocoa and Dark chocolate can be a good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Chocolate even contains vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E. The vitamins and minerals found in chocolate products can vary depending on the way the chocolate was processed.
Cocoa beans are full of plant chemicals called flavanols. Flavanols are antioxidants that may reduce blood platelet stickiness and help prevent blood clots. According to the American Dietetic Association, Cocoa and dark chocolate may actually have up to 10x more antioxidant power than other antioxidant rich foods! Cocoa and Dark chocolate can be a good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Chocolate even contains vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E. The vitamins and minerals found in chocolate products can vary depending on the way the chocolate was processed.
Be sure to choose dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa. Also, watch your portion sizes since chocolate is high in sugar and fat. You only need a small square (about 1 oz) to get the benefits! Read more about the benefits of natural cocoa and dark chocolate here:
Cocoa and Chocolate: Sweet News! (The American Dietetic Association Fact Sheet)
Daily Consumption of a Dark Chocolate Containing Flavanols and Added Sterol Esters Affects Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Normotensive Population with Elevated Cholesterol The Journal of Nutrition
3 comments:
I love hearing that chocolate is GOOD for us! Oh and to those who use the term 'white' chocolate. No such thing, that is just candy. SO give me some real, dark, semi-sweet, milk, nutty, fruity, filled or not filled CHOCOLATE !!!!!!
I hear you Jewel! :) Have you tried 85% dark chocolate? It's a little bitter, but it's actually pretty good. You only need a small square or 2 for the benefits.
yummy! I love chocolate! Too bad milk chocolate isn't good for you. LOL
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