Do you ever feel guilty after indulging your cravings for chocolate? Well now you can kiss your remorse and regrets goodbye, as a recent study reveals that dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, is actually good for you.
That's right, a report from the June 2011 issue of Physiology & Behavior suggests that dark chocolate not only helps slow down the effects of aging on your skin, but also promotes healthy heart and brain function and helps you see better. Plus, there's evidence that dark chocolate may be packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants as well. That's a whole lot of health crammed into a common taboo for those trying to lose weight.
Dark chocolate is full of flavanoids, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that may help keep skin tight and young looking. One flavanoid is flavanol, which seems to improve both visual and cognitive perceptions.
Of course, that isn't to say that you should make dark chocolate a dietary staple. While it may offer many health benefits, dark chocolate still contains a significant amount of fat and calories per serving. That's why it's important to enjoy this healthy little dessert in moderation.
To get the most from the experience, a two-ounce serving is recommended. That's slightly more than your average chocolate bar. However, indulging in chocolaty goodness on a regular basis will surely bring as many negative side effects as positive ones. That's why it's important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Make sure that your dark chocolate gratification is only a complement to a healthy diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Most health experts agree that even the healthiest of diets need to be balanced with regular physical activity. The recommended amount for most individuals is approximately one hour of moderate exercise at least three to five times each week.
By combining a healthy diet with regular physical activity, you can make your own healthy weight loss plan that will leave you free to indulge in dark chocolate, at least every once in a while. And if you do indulge in, we recommend that you do it with our Dark Chocolate Sensations which has only 40 calories per serving.