The latest on
dark chocolate
dark chocolate
Not as though you really need an excuse to eat chocolate, the latest research indicates that the long-term consumption of dark chocolate is associated with lower blood pressure. However, this doesn’t mean forgoing balanced meals for a chocolate-only diet. Read on for the latest on dark chocolate, plus three new chocolates to melt in your mouth.
Eat chocolate daily
New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that a single square of chocolate a day can reduce blood pressure. This is the first study to show the benefits of cocoa in dark chocolate over the long-term.Previous short-term studies have looked at the effects of cocoa on blood pressure, with encouraging results. However, there have been questions whether or not increasing chocolate intake over a long period of time would actually negate the blood pressure effects due to an increase in calories and fat.
Dark chocolate trumps white chocolate
Participants of the recent study were given a 30-calorie square of chocolate (one group received white chocolate, the other group received dark chocolate) over the course of 18 weeks. There were no significant changes in weight, lipids or blood glucose in the dark chocolate group. But participants did experience a decrease in blood pressure. The participants in the white chocolate group were not as lucky.Don’t overindulge in dark chocolate
Regardless of the heart-healthy benefits of dark chocolate, experts still caution that you don’t overindulge. One piece of quality dark chocolate a day is all you need.And if having a single square from a large bar of chocolate seems like torture, opt for smaller individually-wrapped pieces of chocolate.
Why not try functional chocolates?
For an added health boost, you can forgo the usual bars of chocolate and, instead, sink your teeth into functional chocolates – chocolates containing other healthy ingredients, ranging from fruit to red wine extracts (read Chocolate Therapy for more information).The following three functional chocolates are made of organic dark chocolate combined with a variety of healthy ingredients that make these rich and delicious bites even more alluring.
Amoriss Vitality Organic Dark Chocolates www.Amoriss.com
Dark chocolate, red wine, and exotic fruits? Sounds like the perfect date! Amoriss chocolates are high in antioxidants and heart friendly. Extracts of red wine, pomegranate, acai berries, goji berries, and mangosteen combined with organic dark chocolate makes Amoriss one healthy little bite. Each piece contains 56 calories and contributes to your recommended daily intake of vitamins A and C and iron. These chocolates claim to keep you young at heart!
ChocoLeans Organic Dark Chocolates www.ChocoLeans.com
If you are looking for a weight loss aid that tastes good, Chocoleans is it. Each piece of chocolate delivers 56 calories and contains goji berries as well as hoodia gordonii and another appetite suppressant called Slimaluma. Directions on the label recommend eating a piece between meals as a snack. If you can stop at one, compared to the 100-calorie snack packs and other diet and snack foods, you will save yourself some calories (and fewer calories can result in weight loss).
Choconella Passionate Organic Dark Chocolates www.Chocollissima.com
This is a chocolate that boasts absolute satisfaction. Choconella is an irresistible chocolate formulated especially for women. In addition to the luscious dark chocolate base, the chocolate also contains a propietary blend of goji berry, maca root and other plant-based ingredients, claiming to boost women's libido, energy and mood. One individually wrapped piece has 56 calories and contributes to your recommended daily intake of vitamins A and C, and iron.
*As with supplements, be sure to check with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition requiring nutritional care. These chocolates may be considered a healthy candy, but the added ingredients could require a doctor's approval.
