Health: Did Someone Say Chocolate Raspberry Brownies?
By Sandy Schroeder
Questions about treats like raspberry brownies often trigger small stampedes at my house, especially if there are only one or two left! If you are a veteran chocolate addict, you already know that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is now considered healthy, but it’s always fun to review the benefits and find new recipes for your favorite choices.
Recently in the telegraph.co.uk, researchers listed 10 ways that dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage of 70 percent or more benefit health.
It’s loaded with minerals - A 100-gram dark chocolate bar delivers 67 percent of the recommended daily allowance for iron. Potassium, zinc and selenium are also included in each bite of dark chocolate.
Stroke risk is cut - Finnish researchers found the men in their study who ate chocolate experienced a 17 percent average drop in stroke risk.
Circulation and heart health improve - Researchers found dark chocolate may improve flexibility in arteries and help stop white blood cells from sticking to the walls of the arteries, causing clogging.
The skin flourishes - Researchers have found the flavonols in dark chocolate can protect the skin against sun damage, which could be considered a healthy addition to sun screen.
Cholesterol drops - Cocoa helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and raise good cholesterol (LDL) levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Weight loss occurs - Some chocolate fans recommend savoring a small square of chocolate before a meal to trigger hormones in the brain that create a sense of fullness. Following up the meal with another small square could reduce snacking later.
New moms get a boost - Researchers from Finland found chocolate helped lower stress in new moms, often leading to happier babies, too.
Brain power goes up - Cocoa flavanols may help to cut memory loss in seniors and provide anti-inflammatory benefits for all ages.
Smiles show up - Yes, chocolate may make you feel better because it contains phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical that prompts your brain to generate feel good endorphins.
Good for heart and soul - This final benefit is one all chocolate lovers would endorse when they say chocolate that is produced by dedicated farmers and finished by skilled chocolatiers just has to be good for the heart and soul.
When we consider all of these benefits, no one should feel too guilty about having the last raspberry chocolate brownie. There are many recipes online for these creations but this one for BestEverRaspberryChocolatebrownies may be well worth trying. Enjoy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Atlanta, Ga.