Enjoy a Healthy Holiday with Chocolate

It’s nearly impossible to entirely skip the sweets during the holidays. And, why should you? It’s a time of getting together with friends and family and to be thankful for what you have. As long as you are moderate about your indulgences, there is no reason to get worked up about it.

Most of us have mothers and/or grandmothers who are baking goodies this time of year. In my case, I live across the country from my mother. And last week I got a package with chocolates and cookies. My wife is trying to get in shape for a run after the new year. So, as the loyal and caring husband that I am, I promised to “take care” of the sweets myself.

Oh, what we do for love.

I have a soft spot for milk chocolate. But, if you have a taste for the dark variety, some moderate portions may not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but may also be good for you.

It’s not breaking news that dark chocolate has health benefits. But, researchers are finding new potential benefits:

Chocolate is Brain Food - Studies show that flavonols in dark chocolate increase cerebral blood flow, which may trigger the creation of new blood vessels and brain cells.

Chocolate Helps with Heart Attacks - While chocolate may not prevent heart attacks, it may weaken them. A new study showed that people with heart disease who ate chocolate regularly were less likely to die following a heart attack.

Chocolate Good for Your Teeth – There is a compound in chocolate called theobromine that may be just as good as fluoride for hardening tooth enamel.

(via: Real Age)