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Chocolate Indulgence-Five Delicious Reasons to Treat Yourself This Valentine’s

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Without a doubt, February is a chocolate filled month! Instead of restricting yourself from this decadent treat, choose dark chocolate with a cacao content of at least 80 percent, and enjoy the treat knowing you are actually helping your health! Take a look at the top five reasons you can enjoy a square or two of dark chocolate each day guilt-free!

  1. Flavonoid Power. Dark chocolate is a terrific source of flavonoids, the same compound credited with giving grapes and red wine their health powers. The flavonoids in dark chocolate are believed to boost heart health by lowering blood pressure, relaxing artery walls to improve blood flow, and helping to prevent blood clots.
  2. The All Important Antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off the damaging effects of free radicals in our bodies. Fruits and veggies are terrific sources of antioxidants, but it turns out you can add dark chocolate to your list of antioxidant sources!
  3. Phenylethylamine Secret. Perhaps you have never heard of phenylethylamine, but if you have ever felt just a bit happier after eating some dark chocolate, the chemical phenylethylamine could be the reason for that improved mood. The phenylethylamine found in dark chocolate is believed to tell your body to release feel good endorphins.
  4. Fiber Source. Did you know dark chocolate contains fiber? It does! Fiber is important to help you feel full and satisfied and as well as for the digestion process.
  5.  Nutrient Rich. The rich flavor of dark chocolate may be what draws you to it, but dark chocolate is more than just flavorful, it’s loaded with plenty of vitamins and minerals too! Among other nutrients, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium can all be found in dark chocolate.

If you haven’t stopped reading in order to go enjoy some dark chocolate, take a final reminder to note that as with most things moderation is still key. While dark chocolate does have all of these terrific benefits, one to two squares a day is about all you need to keep from overindulging!

 

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Author: Coach Kim

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