DIETARY TIPS

Chocolate lovers?? Do read this!!

Chocolates are love! Be it in your happy times or when you are feeling blue, the excellent mix of milk, sugar and cocoa is good enough to soothe you in every mood. It’s super delicious, because of its creamy and oh-so-soothing flavor which is satisfying for the taste buds but not that healthy.
But you have a good news!! Dark chocolates are of healthier option to chocolate lovers. They are made from the seeds of cocoa tree which is one of the best sources of antioxidants in the world. Darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain.
If we look for the variety which is high in cocoa content, you are opting for something which is very nutritious. A 100 gram bar of dark chocolate gives you 70-85% cocoa, 11 gram fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, zinc and manganese. It gives you monounsaturated, polyunsaturates and saturated variety of fats. However, it also contains calories, caffeine, it is a powerful source of antioxidants.

• Skin Health- its antiseptic and astringent properties make lemongrass oil perfect for getting even and glowing skin. It can sterilize your pores, serve as a natural toner, and strengthen your skin tissues.
• These chocolates are loaded with biologically active organic compounds like catechins, flavanols, and polyphenols.
• Raises good cholesterol levels- are known to lower oxidative stress of bad cholesterol levels and boost the good cholesterol levels in the body. Oxidized bad cholesterol levels are capable of damaging your arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart diseases.
• Protects the skin against the sun- Bioactive compounds of dark chocolate can protect your skin from sun damage. It can improve blood circulation to the skin and increase its density and hydration.
• Improve brain function- Dark chocolates may even improve brain function. They contain stimulants like caffeine which can improve brain function in the short term in elderly individual.

DIETARY INTERVENTION

• Try blending dark chocolates into smoothies.
• You can add it as toppings to your crunchy breakfast cereals like oats, muesli.