Good-News-For-Chocolate-Lovers - Chocolate weight loss health

High cocoa content chocolate is the perfect heart healthy gift for Valentine’s Day, but not just for its sweet taste. It’s real benefits are just beginning to be recognized. Flavonoid antioxidants in chocolate specifically help reduce inflammation in the lining of arteries, known as the intima. The main flavonoid, epicatechin, is similar to flavonoid antioxidants found in green tea. It seems to help reduce unnecessary clotting in the blood which is another factor that can promote cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure. Some studies have suggested that it also normalizes insulin response by enhancing the production of nitric oxide, a compound that functions as a local vaso-dilator.

Dark chocolate, which has no milk content, or “raw,” “non-alkalized,” or “un-dutched” cocoa or cacao powder are the most beneficial forms, since they have the highest flavonoid content.  Powders can be made into hot chocolate with any milk substitute and sweetened with any sweetener. Cow’s milk proteins bind to the flavonoids making them unavailable, so avoid traditional cocoa mixes or milk chocolate. Two tablespoons of cocoa powder is roughly equivalent to 1 ounce of unsweetened baker’s chocolate or about 1.5 ounces of  70-80% dark chocolate in a bar. This about the right daily dose for your heart’s health, so you and your beloved should be splitting most of the three to four ounce bars that are popular where dark chocolates are sold. Cacao (pronounced ‘ka-COW,) is the Spanish word derived from the native language of people using the beans in Central America in the 15th Century. You will see both cocoa and cacao on packages. Cacao is often the term used when the marketer wants to let you know the product is raw, but there is no legal trade definition for these terms at all, so read the label to be sure.

Shirley Callis

Shirley Callis Howard County MD Personal TrainerThis article was written by Courtney Carpenter and first appeared on EatSleepTrainRepeat.com.  Eat Sleep Train Repeat is run by TEAM Warrior Within Trainer/Coach Shirley Callis.

Shirley has 30 plus years of personal and professional experience.  He has helped clients of all ages and fitness levels get the results they were looking for.  Whether you are struggling to lose weight, get in shape for competition, or just want to get fit, Shirley can guide you.

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