The checkout lines at Godiva get crazy this week because Thursday is Valentine's Day. That brings up a good question...Is the candy they sell good for your heart?
So when you eat chocolate go for the dark stuff because dark has health benefits, including decreased blood pressure and blood clotting, increased blood vessel health, and improved LDL cholesterol. Dark chocolate causes blood vessels to expand, which in turn modestly reduces blood pressure.
Chocolate may lower your diabetes risk too! How great is that news?!
Dark chocolate is rich in a group of antioxidants called flavanols -- believed to be the "active" ingredient that confers chocolate's cardiovascular advantage.
Before you go hog wild eating the stuff you should know that in small amounts, chocolate can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. But don’t forget about the calories. A standard chocolate bar contains 200 to 300 calories. And a single piece of premium chocolate from that heart-shaped box can have up to 70 calories. So, enjoy your dark chocolate in moderation.
