I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. Honestly, I never really have. Candy has never been that tempting to me. The amounts of sugar and artificial coloring and flavoring isn’t very appealing. Chocolate though…well, that’s a whole different story!
I eat chocolate nearly every night after dinner. It’s like my whisky after a long day of work. I need it to relax and enjoy my time to myself. I just crave a piece. It takes me a few days to finish one bar, not because I can’t but a small amount is all you need.
Good news for me though: not only does chocolate make me smile and relax, but it is also healthy for your heart when it is dark chocolate and with a high cocoa content.
Phew!
Researchers have recently discovered that chocolate increases your health because of specific bacteria in the stomach. It literally “eats” the cocoa and ferments it into anti-inflammatory compounds that benefits your heart.
Maria Moore, an undergraduate student at the Louisiana State College of Agriculture, who is a part of their research project, has gone into detail stating “We found that there are two kinds of microbes in the gut: the ‘good’ ones and ‘bad’ ones.” She continued saying “The good microbes, such as Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, feast on chocolate…when you eat dark chocolate, they grow and ferment it, producing compounds that are anti-inflammatory.”
You see, once these compounds are absorbed by the body, the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue decreases, which then lessens the long-term risk of suffering from a stroke.
Even better news for my fellow chocoholics: dark chocolate dipped fruit is even more beneficial! When cocoa is mixed with real fruit, such as a berry or some pomegranates, it helps improve your health that much more. More flavor, better health is great for me!
It’s important to know your limits because too much of anything will lower the health benefits. However, with some monitored portions and a smile on your face, this is very easy and enjoyable way to improve your health that much more!
Looking for a yummy and healthy chocolate bar? Check our your local market for organic bars that are certified Fair Trade and/or Rainforest Alliance friendly.
