International Chocolate Day is July 7th. This gives all of us another reason to celebrate chocolate and enjoy it in all of its forms. The best way to celebrate this day is through the consumption of chocolate. Dark chocolate is one of the best types of chocolate for our health. For seniors in particular, dark chocolate is one way to satisfy our chocolate cravings while still thinking of our health.
What are some of the benefits of dark chocolate?
- Increases your good cholesterol. Dark chocolate can offset the effects of bad cholesterol and at the same time it will boost your levels of good cholesterol. This keeps your heart and arteries healthy.
- Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Dark chocolate contains flavonols. Flavonols have been proven to increase the blood flow to your brain. This can help seniors maintain their cognitive function as they age. They also can benefit seniors who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Dark chocolate can increase brain function due to the ingredients it contains, one of which is caffeine.
- Boosts your mood. Yes, dark chocolate does make you feel better because it tastes good. But the chemical compounds in dark chocolate can naturally improve how you feel. One chemical called phenylethylamine is the same chemical that your brain produces when you fall in love. It triggers the release of endorphins which help to boost your mood.
- Helps prevent heart disease. Dark chocolate contains compounds which help protect against the oxidation of the bad type of cholesterol. With time, this will eventually lower your blood pressure. It takes only a few pieces of dark chocolate every week for you to gain maximum benefits.
This year, celebrate International Chocolate Day by introducing yourself to the most healthy chocolate, dark chocolate. To read more on how dark chocolate can provide benefits as you age, click here.
