February 07, 2012
Ok, Chiropractic Solutions can't hand you a piece of chocolate through the computer, but we are able to share some of its benefits with you.First of all, 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) Not really, but your San Jose chiropractor hopes you get one full of dark chocolates!
Chocolate and its primary ingredient, cocoa, have beneficial effects for your heart, mind and body.
- Cocoa has around 4 times higher 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 lowering 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 findings are why Chiropractic Solutions can accept 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 cheered with a piece of chocolate?!
Chiropractic Solutions is adamant 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 San Jose chiropractic visit. Contact us now to set that up before all the chocolate hearts start arriving!