Dark Chocolate as a ‘Super Food’
By Tam John, certified Nutritionist
Imagine indulging in amazing food while keeping your wellness factors of looking great and feeling great. This is the basis of Personalized Nutrition (https://www.TamJohn.com)
Photo Courtesy of Charisse Kenion on Unsplash
Here are my top 5 reasons to augment your healthy regimen with a little dark chocolate every now and then. After all, food is meant to bring you pleasure.
- Antioxidant & Flavonoid rich. Antioxidants fight free radicals which cause cellular havoc. Flavonoids also support cardiovascular and nervous system health. Studies suggest they may be anti-cancer and improve cognitive function. You should get most of your flavonoid rich free radical fighting anti-oxidants from fresh, seasonal whole fruits and veggies, nuts, grains, seeds, green and black tea.
- Magnesium powerhouse. A necessary mineral that supports cardiovascular health and muscular relaxation.
- Good for overall cholesterol profile. Cocoa butter in dark chocolate contains polyphenols said to be involved in cholesterol control; and increased HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Small quantities support healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Dark chocolate is an aphrodisiac. It contains tryptophan, a building block of the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin; and phenylethylamine, a stimulant related to amphetamine, which is released in the brain when people fall in love.
Choose the highest levels (85% is a good target) of cacao which totes the most benefit of dark chocolate. As with all good things, moderation makes us appreciate them more. Appreciation begs great benefits. Savor each and every decadent bite, if it appeals to you, and indulge in a little dark chocolate now and then. Like I always say: Buy the best dark chocolate you can afford!
Tam’s new book title: A Fresh Wellness Mindset: Personalize Your Food Life & Find Your Truth about Gluten is now available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Wellness-Mindset-Personalize-Gluten/dp/1981340327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517612952&sr=8-1&keywords=a+fresh+wellness+mindset). Contact Tam (https://www.TamJohn.com/contact/) for wholesales/resale and author events.
A Fresh Wellness Mindset addresses two trending topics in health & wellness: Personalized Nutrition (because one diet isn’t right for everyone and not all ‘healthy’ food is healthful for everyone); and how to navigate the Gluten Free Movement (easily live life free of gluten if needed/wanted) and reintroduce gluten or other once distressful foods healthfully. Gluten rocks as a beneficial food for some!
because Wellness is True Happiness™ www.TamJohn.com
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care Physician or Naturopathic Doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2018 EatRight-LiveWell ™ & Tam John
