February 07, 2012
Ok, Manahawkin Chiropractic Center can't present you a piece of chocolate via the computer, but we can share some of its benefits with you.Principally, chocolate is good for you, especially the dark chocolate kind. Really! Is that why why 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine's Day? (1) Probably not, but your Manahawkin chiropractor hopes you get one full of dark chocolates!
Chocolate and its central ingredient, cocoa, have advantageous effects for your heart, mind and body.
- Cocoa has almost 4 times greater antioxidant capacity than green tea and twice that of red wine. (2) The anti-oxidant flavanols found in cocoa beans reduce cell damage in heart disease and help lower blood pressure. (4,6)
- Moderate (not overly indulgent!) consumption of dark chocolate offers blood pressure reducing effects and anti-inflammatory activity. (3,6)
- The anti-oxidants and the larger magnesium content in dark chocolate may improve constipation problems and even speed up bowel movements! (2,5) We chiropractors know that constipation when you have back pain isn't good!
These conclusions are why Manahawkin Chiropractic Center can live with the enjoyment of dark chocolate...in moderation, of course. Mood, memory, brain function, heart, immune system and stress reduction may all benefit as well. (2) Whose day isn't enhanced with a piece of chocolate?!
Manahawkin Chiropractic Center knows that not all nutrition has to be in pill form or even boring food form. Check out these articles, then chat with us about the viability of adding some dark chocolate to your life at your next Manahawkin chiropractic visit. Contact us now to set that up before all the chocolate hearts start arriving!