6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate made from 70% or higher cocoa content is one of the healthiest food ingredients in the world, that you should use to replace other sweet foods, when you are in the food aisle make sure to pick dark over milk chocolate every time and the darker it is the less sugar content they have and the healthier they get.
Dark chocolate is very high in antioxidants like polyphenols, flavonols, catechins even more than some types of fruits, these antioxidants have a great capacity for lowering the free radical damage and help rejuvenate your cells including the endothelial lining of your blood vessels, and these flavonols are known for stimulating the production of nitric oxide a natural compound that helps your blood vessels widen and relax to decrease the resistance to blood flow and lower your blood pressure
The compounds in dark chocolate also make it highly protective against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which lowers dramatically the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases since it hinders the build-up of calcified atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of your arteries and makes them elastic and healthy for longer, dark chocolate also has some positive impact on reducing insulin resistance which is a well-known risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome that includes heart problems as well.
Picking the right type of dark chocolate and consuming it in moderation is the right way to get all the health benefits, you can make it a snack and have a square or two after your meals with a cup of coffee, or bake wonderful cakes and cookies with dark chocolate to balance the sweetness, and of course, on a cold winter day, a cup of hot cocoa with some dark chocolate and a couple of marshmallows on top will make you feel warm and relaxed.
