Good afternoon. Feeling a little low and down in the dumps, need an energy boost before the big holiday weekend begins??? Are you looking for something that will boost your mood, and do your heart good??? Well look no further, Chocolate is the answer.
Chocolate and the compounds found in caco and cocoa powder are linked to forty plus health benefits. Chocolate has antioxidants which help to stop free radical oxidation, and that is bad for all the cells in your body. Chocolate also has potent plant chemicals including anandamide named after the Sanskrit word for Bliss! Anandamide is a neurotransmitter in the brain that temporarily blocks feeling of pain and anxiety.
Research has also shown that dark chocolate can cut your risk of heart attack like aspirin as it has a biochemical effect that reduces clumping of your platelets. And researchers have shown that the compound in dark chocolate called epicatechin may protect your brain after a stroke by shielding it from nerve damage.
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What are some of the other benefits of chocolate? Here is a list:
Anti-inflammatory
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Anti-carcinogenic
Anti-diabetic
Reduction in C reactive protein a blood marker for inflammation
Neuroprotective
Slows progression of periodontis
Improves gastrointestinal flora
Improves exercise endurance
Anti-thrombitic
Cardioprotective
Improves lipid profiles
Reduces stress hormones
Lower’s Alzhiemer’s risk
Wow, who knew that chocolate could do all that? No wonder I love the special late afternoon boost of a piece of luscious dark chocolate. Remember be smart and just like anything else don’t overdo and eat too much at one sitting. An ounce or two a couple of time a week should be just fine. More than that is too many calories. And be sure your source does not contain milk, lactose, high fructose corn syrup or sugar. Dark unsweetened chocolate is the best source of all of these benefits.
The antioxidant polyphenols in chocolate are what has the ability to stop free radical-mediated oxidation. This helps to decrease your risk of many diseases that we listed above by directly interfering with one of the major preventable causes of chronic degenerative diseases and inflammation.
Chocolate Bliss is just a bite away!
Do you want to talk more about chocolate? Contact Dr. Nina today:
drnina@nenaprapthy.com 224-333-6501
