some like it dark

Blog Challenge Day 27


With Valentine's Day tomorrow, I'm sure flowers, teddy bears, and chocolate heart boxes are flying off the shelves. With that in mind, I have a suggestion to guide your purchases: choose dark chocolate!! Many people see chocolate as a treat/indulgence...and it is...but, you may be surprised to learn that dark chocolate can actually be good for you! I personally LOVE dark chocolate. I have a small piece most days after lunch.



Dark chocolate is less processed and has less sugar than other types of chocolate. Experts suggest that adding small amounts (a one ounce piece a few times a week) of dark chocolate to a healthy diet that includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will give you a variety of phytochemicals (beneficial elements of plants) that have proven health benefits. Dark chocolate contains a high concentration of stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid with a neutral effect on cholesterol), essential minerals including magnesium, copper, potassium, manganese, and flavonoids.

Flavonoids are phytochemical plant pigments that act as natural antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that can damage body tissue and cells. Antioxidants have also been linked to prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases. (Since dairy can interfere with the absorption of these antioxidants, only dark chocolate -- not milk -- offers benefits.) Flavonoids also hinder platelet aggregation and improve blood-vessel flexibility, helping to prevent hardening of the arteries. Traditionally-made (meaning minimally processed) dark chocolate actually contains more flavonoids per gram than any other food tested so far, including green tea, red wine, and blueberries.

The high percentage of cocoa in dark chocolate also gives it a low glycemic index, a ranking of carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. This means it produces only small fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin levels (diabetics, take note). Other research supporting the benefits of DC:

• Last year, an Italian survey conducted by the Catholic University in Campobasso found that 6.7 grams of dark chocolate per day (about half a bar per week) was the ideal amount for a protective effect against inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease.

• A recent study by Nestlé researchers (yes, I see the obvious bias here, lol) suggests that eating a few pieces of dark chocolate every day may improve the metabolic response of people who report feeling highly stressed.

• Scientists at Penn State found that dark chocolate and flavonoid-rich cocoa powder reduced LDL ("bad" cholesterol) oxidation.

• An Italian study showed that when volunteers ingested small amounts of dark chocolate, their levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) decreased.

• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that dark chocolate had an effect on lowering blood pressure.

Finally, research also shows chocolate can increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA) known as the "love chemical."


How to Buy

Because chocolate is among the most heavily sprayed crops, try to go with organic. For the greatest health benefit, buy traditionally prepared or "artisan" chocolate (most likely to contain more flavonoids because it's made with reduced heat) with at least 70% cocoa to guarantee the lowest glycemic index (try TJ's or Whole Foods). My personal suggestion for those of you who are "new" to dark chocolate is to start with a low percentage and work your way up. The highest I've had so far 85% and I actually like it. Also, if you need to, start with a bar that has other stuff in it...maybe mint or nuts or something.
 
So, go ahead and buy your boo some chocolate...just make sure it's dark chocolate :-)



Today's *big chune* is even more random and out of left field than usual. It's the score from Schindler's List - one of the absolute saddest movies ever made. I watched this in a class in 8th grade and I'm pretty sure I was bawling my eyes out (side note, I cry pretty easily in movies...even some random movies - Titanic, Little Women, The Holiday). Anyway, this song is sooooo beautiful. Even if you don't like classical music, I think you can appreciate this.



:-D