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“Is adding dark chocolate on your healthy eating plans a good idea?”
This is the question that a lot of people ask, especially by the chocolate lovers who find it challenging to get rid of this yummy treat completely. Yes, it is hard to let go of this delicate chocolate, so you may be thrilled to know that dark chocolate is an excellent addition to your diet.
There have been whispers before that dark chocolate is great for your health. No, these are not made up by chocolate manufacturers who want to earn more profits. According to some studies, what makes dark chocolate better and healthier than other kinds of chocolate is the substantial amount of cocoa left in the product. White or milk chocolate tastes sweet because there are more sugar, milk solids, and other additives in it than cocoa, you see. And since chocolates go through the heating process, that little content gets even smaller. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, is bittersweet, but the health benefits of cocoa are still intact.
In case you still can’t decide whether you should give dark chocolates to your elderly parents, here are more reasons why you should do it.
Blood Pressure Normalization
Some researches show that dark chocolates have cocoa polyphenols. These are micronutrients that help reduce a person’s blood pressure without affecting their body weight. The change may not happen as soon as you take a bite on your dark chocolate, but you will eventually see it. Not to mention, you must admit that it tastes better than any medicine prescribed by your doctor.
Combats Free Radicals
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The nutrients in dark chocolate improve the movement of your arteries. Aside from that, its antioxidants are great against free radicals that cause heart diseases and even some forms of cancer. This function is especially beneficial for aging individuals who are prone to such illnesses.
Bad Cholesterol Decline
Dark chocolate should be eaten by people who have high levels of bad cholesterol. It is also great for those who want to reduce weight because eating it makes you lose your appetite and get more energy. Furthermore, it has fiber that can aid in your digestion process, as well as magnesium that reduces risks of blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Mood Enhancer
If you are feeling sad, get a piece of dark chocolate, and you will have a better outlook on life. After all, cocoa can enhance your mood by aggregating the dopamine activity of your brain. Your parents may feel not so lonely when they can eat it.
Final Thoughts
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Getting darker chocolate is better than having dark chocolate, of course. However, you should know that you may still gain extra pounds if this is all you eat every day. If you munch on dark chocolate nonstop, its health benefits will inevitably be overpowered by its high levels of calorie. Moderation is the key to everything.
We hope that the information above will make you feel less guilty of giving chocolates to your elderly parents. Cheers!