Health benefits of dark chocolate

Posted In: Fitness April 21st, 2014 divider No Comments »

A few days late for Easter but better late than never, right?

I’ve been in love with dark chocolate recently and looking for more rationale to eat it so I did some research. And I don’t know why but it seems chocolate and exercise actually work well together.

I usually use it to fuel my long runs and cycles usually in the form of these bars. I’ve  also been throwing cocoa powder and cocoa nibs in my bars and my shakes recently.

Here are some benefits:

• Dark chocolate is high in healthy antioxidants that reduce the blood pressure-raising effects of exercise on overweight individuals. It seems a chocolate bar has five times the flavonoids of an apple…
• Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke
• Dark chocolate helps control blood sugar as it usually contains good fats and fibre along with the sugar
• Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that support your health including potassium, copper, magnesium and iron

But beware. Because of its high fat and sugar content, limit yourself to a few squares a day. The good thing is the good stuff is indulgent and filling.

***
This was a big running weekend for most. For some, it the first outdoor run of the year. I know I had some nice runs with family and friends.

For a few elite runners, this was the unofficial start of the racing season with the Boston Marathon. Congrats to all who made it to the starting line and to those who supported and cheered. You are all my heroes!