Who doesn’t love chocolate? Well…I have news for you! Illumina family, let’s focus on dark chocolate, my favorite! Let’s get down to the science first. Most research shows that the higher the cocoa content, at least 70% cocoa or more, the more benefits of the flavanols the chocolate contains (hopkinsmedicine.org 2015).
Flavanols, or plant nutrients that are found in dark chocolate are great for lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of clotting, increasing blood circulation to your heart, and in turn can lower your risks for stroke, and coronary heart disease (Hopkinsmedicine.org, 2015). Flavanols also reduce oxidative stress and prevent our immune systems from going into overdrive. I.e. they balance us.
Now, here is the fun part. Tryptophan, an amino acid produces a neurotransmitter, Serotonin (your feel good chemical) which can increase feelings of overall happiness (medicalnewstoday.com, 2019). So…eat dark chocolate loaded in flavanols, and increase your mood. I think we just found the bite to happiness.
Good thing almost all of our treats that contain chocolate are 70% cocoa and above. Order your chocolate treat this holiday season, here at Illumina.
--Ariel Clatty, PhD
12.06.2021
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