Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. And with that, for whatever reason, we’re exposed to copious amounts of chocolate, tempting those of us on a health kick.
Between gift exchanges, parties or the spike of pink and red wrappers in the checkout line, it seems the creamy candy is everywhere.
For all the closet chocoholics, the sappy couple at the fondue fountain, the loners binging in front of the TV or anyone looking for an excuse to munch on the holiday classic, here are a few ways to eat the sweet stuff in keeping with your good health.
Chocolate is made from the cocoa plant, which has health benefits similar to those from some vegetables. Vegetables contain flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, and the flavonoids available in the cocoa plants help relax blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
But before reaching for a candy bar or a piece of cake, remember not all types are healthy. One trumps them all: dark chocolate. It contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate or white chocolate. And, best of all, it can lift your mood.
Dark chocolate contains the neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant and stimulates endorphins, which provide the feeling of pleasure. This is the reason you experience that feel-good sensation after consuming just a small dose of it. In addition, dark chocolate contains high levels of potassium and magnesium, and it provides vitamins such as B1, B2, D and E. These can help regulate blood pressure.
There is no established recommended serving size of chocolate, but just remember: Moderation is key. So, when walking down the pink aisles of the convenience store, making a smarter decision on chocolate could lead to a treat for not only your tummy but your body, too.
