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Every sweetie loves chocolate on Valentine's Day. But why does something so good have to be so bad for us?
Or does it?
A recent article by Paige Herman and Marie Kuechel of newbeauty.com shows that we should remember that there may be more to chocolate than meets the eye, er, taste buds.
The authors write:
"Cornell University food scientists found that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times the amount found in green tea. Cocoa has higher concentrations of the anti-aging polyphenol antioxidants found in blueberries and green tea, so it's possible that incorporating dark chocolate into your diet may alleviate the signs of aging. Even better news: Research has demonstrated that the antioxidants in cocoa are highly stable and easily metabolized, which means the body can readily use them."
Who else is talking about the health benefits of chocolate?
LivingAfterWLS Blog (WLS stands for "weight loss surgery") has an informative, easy-to-read post that includes a backgrounder on chocolate, quotes by experts including Dr. Andrew Weil and useful tips like how to select the healthiest chocolate possible by reading the label.
Live Naturally ~~ Mind, Body & Spirit has posted an article about the heart-healthy benefits of dark chocolate and has another entry on fair trade and organic chocolate. She personally vouches for the Dagoba organic chocolate bars.
one step body, a personal training blog for women, posts an article by the founder of momscape.com about chocolate and reminds us that just because chocolate might be good for us "this is not an excuse to go out and eat a bag of Hershey Kisses."
eve's health & fitness cites information about the benefits of dark chocolate on blood pressure and diabetes from an article published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." She also touches on what makes chocolate so good for us: the flavonoid factor.
foodtherapy also cites a study on dark chocolate — this one by the "American Journal of Hypertension" — which shows a benefit to the cardiovascular system.
If you fellow vegans think you can't indulge, think again. Check out vegan review for a rundown of what tasters judge to be the best vegan chocolate. She also includes a link to a podcast of the review.
So if your Valentine gives you chocolate next week, never fear, it just might show you how much you are truly loved.
photo credit: mercola.com
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mipmup.
Contributing Editor, Health & Wellness
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