Dark Chocolate For Good Health

Dark Chocolate plays a role in promoting heart health.

It's been shown that a 1.6 ounce bar of dark chocolate a day can improve circulation and help blood vessels dilate. However, the chocolate has to contain flavonoids - compounds that are also found in red wine, blueberries, and green and black tea.

Flavonoids can also lower cholesterol and prevent clots. Sounds good, right? However, when the chocolate with the flavonoids taken out was consumed, the benefits were not seen.

If milk chocolate is more to your taste, it has flavonoids also, but unfortunately the milk cancels out the effects (similar to drinking milk with green tea). Make sure that your chocolate is dark and has a high cocoa content. Some companies list the percentage right on the bar, such as Lindt.

Further Health Benefits

How to Incorporate Dark Chocolate Into Your Diet

1. Snack on a few ounces of chocolate-covered cacao nibs.
2. Sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder on strawberries and whipped topping.
3. Savor a small square of dark chocolate after dinner.
4. Dip strawberries, slices of banana or orange segments in melted chocolate.
5. Add a little unsweetened cocoa powder to your morning coffee.
6. Munch on chocolate-covered almonds or soy nuts.