Choose dark over milk chocolate for heart healthy benefits.
If you got a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, don’t feel guilty about indulging in them, especially if they are dark chocolate!
Did you know that dark chocolate is great for your heart? Scientists have found that chocolate’s high flavanol content dilates blood vessels, relaxes arteries, and even improves blood flow — all important things for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Not only that, but dark chocolate can also stop the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the “lousy” cholesterol, and promote the production of HDL, the “healthy” cholesterol. Plus, it can even lower blood pressure!
All of these heart healthy benefits are most likely due to the fact it contains powerful antioxidants and important minerals, such as magnesium, copper, calcium, and potassium.
So, don’t be shy about eating a little dark chocolate or sharing some with a friend! You could very well be saving his or her heart!
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Photos © Karen Peltier and Well Gal, 2012 – 2014.