Dark Chocolate A Cure For Emotional Stress?

Clinical trials say yes to that question. I'll get right to the important part. Here is the order of types of chocolate with the highest level of flavanol antioxidants:

Natural Cocoa Powder (double the amount of antioxidants of red wine, and green tea!)
Unsweetened Baking Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

My whole life I've found chocolate simply irresistible. I've enjoyed, yes enjoyed, unsweetened baking chocolate on a few occasions, even had a teaspoon or two a pure cocoa powder the other night. And while it's not the same as a box of Godiva it is still the unmistakable taste of pure wonderful chocolate. Ok, enough about me. Here's why it's good for you.

The health benefits from chocolate are mainly due to the antioxidants present in the cocoa, such as flavonols. Flavonols are a subclass of flavonoids, which are natural chemicals found in plants, fruits and vegetables. Gives a whole new meaning to "eat your vegetables!"

The use of chocolate as a cure for emotional stress has gotten new support from a clinical trial. The trial found that eating an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones.

In addition, there is growing scientific evidence that antioxidants and other beneficial substances in dark chocolate may reduce risk factors for heart disease and other physical conditions.

As with vitamins and food we need to look at the process. Obviously there's a huge difference between the minimally processed dark chocolate and the milk chocolate found in most candy bars.

Here are a few organic choices from a trusted brand:



Happy Tuesday!