The Healthy Side of Chocolate
Most people don’t need an excuse to eat more chocolate, but studies and research show that chocolate can positively affect the body. If you want to gain the health benefits from chocolate, it’s essential to know how chocolate affects the body, the best type of chocolate to consume, and how to incorporate chocolate into your diet in a healthy way.
Health Benefits of Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains natural antioxidants called flavonoids, commonly found in fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure resulting in a reduced chance of developing heart disease. Dark chocolate is also full of zinc and magnesium, which the body uses to grow and develop
Some studies suggest dark chocolate may also improve brain function by enhancing blood flow. This blood flow can also help increase skin hydration and density. Another study found that dark chocolate reduces gut inflammation and promotes healthy bacteria growth.
Even though chocolate has many health benefits, it’s vital to remember that many chocolate options are high in calories and sugar, so it’s best to eat in moderation.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
If you want the health benefits of dark chocolate, you need to ensure you’re eating the right kind of chocolate. Look for dark chocolate bars or powder with at least 70 percent cacao. You can find dark chocolate with up to 100 percent cacao, but the higher the percentage of cacao, the more bitter the chocolate. You also want to inspect the ingredients of the chocolate you’re consuming. Try to steer clear of chocolate with excessive sugar and dairy, such as milk, butter, and whey.
Incorporating Chocolate into Your Diet
If you don’t enjoy the bitterness of most solid dark chocolate, but want to reap the benefits, consider these ways to incorporate more chocolate into your diet.
Fruit and Chocolate Oatmeal
Start your day with healthy chocolate and fruit oatmeal. Start by prepping your favorite hot oatmeal by following the directions on the package. Then, place ¼ bar of dark chocolate in a pot on low heat. Stir the chocolate while it melts. Once you’ve melted the chocolate, pour it over the oatmeal while the chocolate is still warm. Add your favorite fresh fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries. Stir the oatmeal, chocolate, and fruit together, and enjoy while warm.
Chocolate Nut Butter Banana Toast
Spruce your morning toast or midday snack with chocolate nut butter and banana toast. Start by making a piece of toast using your favorite bread. While the bread is toasting, slice a banana into thin coins. Once the toast is ready, spread your favorite nut butter to one side and top with bananas. Next, melt ¼ bar of dark chocolate to drizzle over the toast.
Chocolate Kale Smoothie
If you prefer to drink your chocolate, try a chocolate kale smoothie. You’ll need 1 ½ cups of kale, 3 cups of your favorite dairy-free milk, two peeled bananas, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, and one teaspoon of vanilla. Place all the ingredients into a blender. Blend at high speed for about 2 minutes or until all ingredients are well blended.
If bringing more chocolate into your diet sounds exciting, but you need assistance in the kitchen, then the team at Visiting Angels can help! Our professional caregivers can assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, cooking, and cleaning up so you can make your favorite nutritious meals at home. Caregivers can also help with medication reminders, personal grooming, transportation, and more. Our Rockwall office serves Rockwall and the surrounding communities. If you’d like to learn more about our services, complete this online form or call us at 214.703.8123.