Chocolate Can Be Good For You!! :)
Dr. Mercola's article on dark chocolate was good news for many sweet tooth health junkies.Organic dark chocolate (70% or higher) doesn't contain the lead, HFCS, added sugar, MSG, milk, soy, or the artificial ingredients other chocolate bars contain and it is good for you!
Real chocolate, made from cacao beans, actually contains high levels of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It is also being studied as a protective factor in obesity. Dark chocolate also contains high levels of the polyphenols catechin and epicatechin which are important anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds have been found to boost immunity and help lower cholesterol.
So, make sure you find some nice dark chocolate and enjoy a few squares to get your recommended dose of resveratrol and polyphenols this weekend. There's only one caution for eating large quantities of dark chocolate, if you are hypertensive (dark chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine), you may want to be cautious with eating dark chocolate on a regular basis because dark chocolate can be stimulating. However, one or two squares on a holiday should be safe.
Really, this is no trick, just a treat! Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
Happy Halloween!
My best,
Dr. Sarah
Dr. Sarah
Source: Dr. Mercola. How to Actually Choose Health Treats for Halloween. (online). October 29, 2009
David Wolfe. Longevity Now. (website).
Hyman, Mark. MD. Ultra-Metabolism.
This link will lead you to a vitamin D calculator for how much sunshine you need for your optimal vitamin D levels. It also reviews how Vitamin D status in expected mother's is related to decreased risk of preterm births, birth defects, and low for gestation weight.
Reisa Mehlman
Dr. Sarah Lobisco
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