Thursday, June 27, 2013

Keep Calm and Eat a Piece of Dark Chocolate



A new study from the Swinburne University of Technology found that eating dark chocolate could calm you down. How? Apparently, it all has to do with antioxidant-rich, Polyphenols. Found naturally in dark chocolate, polyphenols respond to brain receptors associated with anxiety. Even more interesting, common anxiety medications and polyphenols may work through a similar biological system to target anxiety receptors, according to the study.

Looking for more reasons to up your antioxidant intake and enjoy more dark chocolate? Here are 3 (as if you need any):

·         According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidant in the diet.” Their total dietary intake makes their antioxidant rate 10 times higher than the intake of vitamin C and 100 times higher than the intake of vitamin E.

·         Dark chocolate is versatile. You can enjoy it in a traditional bar, or melted and poured over your favorite sweets. For just a hint of something sweet, dark chocolate also tastes great added to granola, yogurt or cereal.

·         Because of is high pure cocoa content, dark chocolate contains a greater percentage of powerful polyphenols. So, look at the cocoa percentages in your favorite dark chocolate, ideally 60% or higher.

Now, next time you satisfy your chocolate craving, reach for dark chocolate and you could feel more relaxed while boosting your antioxidant intake. It’s good for you!

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