Chocolate, a Heart Healthy Treat!

Chocolate, delicious and heart healthy, who knew! Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains heart healthy anti-oxidants called flavonals. These flavonals work to relax blood vessels helping to lower blood pressure. So, what better than some chocolate for your sweetheart this Valentine's day ; ) , something they'll love and their heart will too!

Here are some tips for picking out the perfect heart healthy treat!.....

The Best Chocolates for your Heart

1) Choose chocolate that contains 70% or higher cocoa. The higher the % or darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants per ounce!

 

2) Choose chocolates that contain nuts.

 The nuts contain heart healthy fats which can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

3) Dip fruit in melted dark chocolate. Fruit will help cut calories and add an extra dose of antioxidants!

 

4) Choose portion controlled chocolates.

Chocolate is good for you in small portions,

but the calories and fat can add up quick!

You will be less likely to overindulge if chocolate

 is packaged in smaller portions.