Valentines Day! What better excuse to buy, gift and/or eat chocolate?
Here we are, already in the middle of February and Valentine’s Day is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I don’t need a special day to eat chocolate. When I Googled ‘health benefits of chocolate’, over 2 million articles came up. Yikes! Just remember, the higher the cocao content, the more benefits there are.
No doubt there are conflicting results, but the general take is that high cocoa content chocolate may:
– Lower LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure
– Prevent or slow cognitive decline as a result of improved blood flow to the brain
– Reduce the risk of heart problems
– Improve the ability to see in low-contrast situations (eg. Poor weather)
It has been noted that a little bit of dark chocolate might boost athlete’s performance! That’s great, but will this encourage me to get out and be athletic in the first place? Something to think about.
I wonder if eating a dark chocolate bar a few hours before driving in the rain would be helpful? Since I don’t think it would be harmful, I am going to give this a try.
Another study found that chocolate boosts your mood and that chocolate eaters report feeling less stressed. Yet another study found that chocolate may make you smarter in counting tasks.
Given all the research on the health benefits of chocolate, I think I will add to my daily diet. And for all of you out there who were worried about the calories, sugar and fat content of Valentine’s Day chocolates, give in to your craving!
Now, if we add all the health benefits of red wine, one wonders if chocolate and red wine should become its own food group??
Happy Valentine’s Day!
From all of us at Mosaic Home Care and Resource Centre.
Remember if you eat chocolate and drink wine, keep it in moderation and pay attention to your daily sugar intake.
