John Manley, "The Lord of the Liver" | Monday, February 13, 2012
5 Reasons Why Chocolate Is A Healthy Valentine’s Treat
I just read the shocking news. Imagine… on the eve of Valentine’s Day, too. The Wonka Chocolate Factory has been shut down by government agents. Here’s what Edward Gouda, Chief of the Chocolate and Terrorism Task Force told reporters:
“What this man got away with was crazy… Vast underground subsystems of tunnels and workshops, a slave labour workforce and an elevator which appeared to be quite as unhinged as he was. The freedom of private enterprise to operate above the law needs to be kerbed, and this behaviour simply will not be tolerated.” [1]
I guess Mr. Wonka had it coming.
Still, don’t let that stop you from enjoying some chocolate this Valentine’s Day.
The cocoa found in chocolate is actually quite good for you. That’s why the richer the chocolate bar the better. Dr. Akilah El recommends you only purchase chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa. [2]
Here are five benefits to eating chocolate that you may not have known:
- Slows Signs of Aging: Cocoa contains eight times as much antioxidants as strawberries. Antioxidants keep you looking younger and free of many chronic diseases. [2]
- Improves Brain Function: Chocolate contains theobromine – a bitter alkaloid – which naturally stimulates blood flow throughout the body. This especially helps the brain. It improves memory and cognitive function. [3]
- Lowers Blood Pressure: According to the Arhcives of Internal Medicine, regular intake of cocoa-containing foods have been shown to reduce blood pressure. [4]
- Prevents Type 2 Diabetes: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that says chocolate showed “previously unreported promising effects” on insulin and insulin resistance. [5]
- Lowers Your Risk of Heart Attack: A 2006 study in the Archive of Internal Medicine found that men who ate high amounts of cocoa products had a 50% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. [6]
Five good reasons to enjoy a little chocolate, today.
As for Mr. Wonka, I’m afraid he’s not going to be enjoying much of anything this Valentine’s Day…
“The man behind the famous chocolate bars will now be behind some other types of bars,” concluded the Chief of the Chocolate and Terrorism Task Force in his press conferences yesterday. [1]
- John C. A. Manley
P.S. As great as cocoa is… you need to watch out for everything else that gets added to most commercial chocolate treats: Pesticides, refined sugar, trans fats, preservatives and other chemical additives. A great source for wholesome chocolate products is the Natural News Store (click here). Check out their Kaffir Lime Caramel Chocolate Bar.
P.P.S. A lot of people think they are addicted to chocolate. Often, they are really addicted to sugar. If this sounds like you check out this article: Why We Crave Sugar, Sugar, Sugar (click here).
References:
[1] “Wonka Factory To Close After “Numerous” Violations.” The Spoof. http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s8i89630
[2] Dr. El, Akilah. “The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.” Natural News TV. December 14, 2011. http://tv.naturalnews.com/v.asp?v=4F758C05C3F2B15F17812D3A8DC00909
[3] Dr. Jockers, David. “Discover the amazing health benefits of chocolate.” August 23, 2011. Natural News. http://www.naturalnews.com/033405_chocolate_health_benefits.html
[4] Brian Buijsse, MSc; Edith J. M. Feskens, PhD; Frans J. Kok, PhD; Daan Kromhout, PhD . “Cocoa Intake, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Mortality.” Archive of Internal Medicine. Vol. 166. No. 4. February 27, 2006. http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/166/4/411?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=chocolate&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
[5] Ayoob, Keith. “Chocolate: the new medical food?” USA Today. February 9, 2012. http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/nutritionnation/post/2012/02/CHOCOLATE-The-new-medical-food/622478/1
[6] Gelok, Michelle . ”Chocolate: The bittersweet treat.” CBC News in Depth. July 4, 2007. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/health/chocolate.html