It is said that a glass of red wine with dinner is good for your health. Ever consider chomping on a square of dark chocolate to compliment it? It’s just as good for you and has benefits to your health you may have not even known. But before you break into that piece of delicious dark chocolate, consider this: Dark chocolate is a psychoactive food, containing over 300 chemical elements. This basically means when you bite down on that sweet morsel, you’re releasing a natural cocktail of benefits into your system!
Wockenfuss Jumbo Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
First off, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants. These antioxidants come in the form of “flavonoids” which act as antioxidants and help to get rid of free radicals which could cause oxidative damage to cells. These free radicals are the same ones that are implicated in certain types of cancer and the aging process. Do you look and feel younger? Maybe you’ve been getting your daily dose of dark chocolate! It’s not just cancer and signs of aging that dark chocolate prevents, research has shown that it helps with high blood pressure and heart disease, too. Who knew you could prevent so many diseases with such a tasty treat?
Dark chocolate can lower blood pressure with the help of plant phenols. Also known as cocoa phenols, these compounds are known to lower blood pressure. So, if anyone asks, you’re lowering your blood pressure (and concurrently savoring the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of dark chocolate)!
It can be good for your teeth, too. Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which can harden tooth enamel. This can, along with proper dental hygiene, reduce the risk of cavities. Which makes it a very rare candy indeed! Theobromine is also a mild stimulant in case you need an extra pep in your step. The very same chemical has been reported to suppress coughs. Out of cough drops? Reach for some tantalizing dark chocolate!
What about vitamins and minerals? Dark chocolate again has you covered! It is high in concentration of:
- Potassium
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Iron
And that’s just to name a few. All of these minerals are essential in fighting against stroke, cardiovascular ailments, anemia and it even can prevent type 2 Diabetes!
Wockenfuss Dark Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple
Here at Wockenfuss, we’re all about this healthy wonder chocolate. Since 1915, we’ve been spreading the joy that chocolate can bring around Maryland and beyond. Why not try a dark chocolate caramel apple to go along with that glass of red wine? Or better yet, order an assortment of some of your favorite kinds of chocolate. Visit our website for more chocolate-related paraphernalia and tasty treats.
When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!
Sources:
Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate, WebMD
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate, Enjoy Dark Chocolate.com
6 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate, Fit Day