1. Not-so-radical, radicals.
Antioxidants combat free radicals, the nasty molecules that lead to the spread of health problems. Heart disease and cancer are just two of the afflictions that free radicals can ignite, so fight back by bitin’ down on some chocolate!
2. Don’t get inflamed.
What’s the big deal about inflammation, anyway? Inflammatory processes that persist in the body are implicated in cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and allergies, so it goes without saying that we’ve all gotta go the distance to prevent and decrease inflammation! Chocolate contains an elevated amount of polyphenols: compounds that are especially great at lowering inflammation and protecting against the buildup of fat in your arteries.
3. Your heart “hearts” chocolate.
Take a nibble of chocolate and know that just 8 grams of chocolate-y goodness (that’s a small square, by the way) has been proven to lower blood pressure and significantly decrease the risk of heart disease. There is such a thing as “too much of a good thing,” so remember to keep your chocolate quantities on the moderate side to reap the full benefits.
4. Chocolate on the brain.
Did you know Chocolate is good for our brains, too! The abundant flavonoids in dark chocolate have been proven to boost memory and reasoning skills and well as overall cognitive function, so now, there’s really no reason not to indulge!
Two of our favorite sweet recipes combine rich dark chocolate with some of our favorite fruits! Try whipping up BANANA ROCK POPPERS and CHOCOLATE POMEGRANATE BARK! Store them in your fridge for up to a week and enjoy a nibble every night!
