International Chocolate Day

July 7, 2020

Since July 7 marks International Chocolate Day, it only seems fitting to discuss the many health benefits of that delicious treat today! If you’re a chocolate-lover like I am, you’ll delight in knowing that not only does chocolate taste good, but it is also good for you!

• Chocolate contains flavonoids which help relax and dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and increase blood flow to the brain.

• Dark chocolate has significant antioxidant potential, helping to prevent cell damage, promote heart health, and reduce blood cholesterol.

Studies have shown that those people who regularly consume chocolate ingest more phytonutrients than those who do not consume chocolate. Phytonutrients are essentially just naturally occurring compounds (or plant chemicals) that have potential health benefits. The phytochemicals in chocolate help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

When selecting which chocolate to indulge in, look for higher percentages of cocoa or cacao. Dark chocolate typically has between 35-99% cocoa, while milk chocolate has far less cocoa and more added sugar and fat. So, if given the choice, opt for a little bit of dark chocolate and know you’re doing something good for your health!