Health Coach Tip - Eat Chocolate
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner - what better way to enjoy the day than knowing you are getting some good nutrients from a Valentine’s favorite - chocolate! But it’s not just any chocolate… you need to be a little picky. Look for at least 70% cocoa with low added sugar. Up the benefits by choosing organic and fair trade too. If you are sharing chocolate with your Valentine, choose the perfect bite-sized fair trade chocolate treats - because moderation is always important!
Onto the good news.
Healthy nutrients found in dark chocolate:
- Antioxidants - Polyphenols and flavonoids boost heart health, increase cognitive function, protect your skin, and more.
- Prebiotics - Soluble fiber supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- Minerals - Iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and other minerals found in chocolate are good for everything from transporting oxygen to maintaining healthy bones.
- Amino Acids - Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, can help boost serotonin production and therefore boost your mood too (maybe that's why it's a top choice when you're feeling blue!).