What do you get from the person that has everything? Something that will make them healthier--dark chocolate. A special bean that is loaded with great nutrients. Studies Show that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure, protect the heart and decrease cholesterol levels. Eat up!
Sweet to The Tongue. Delicious for Your Health.
There are so many reasons to indulge in dark chocolate. Most people don't realize how beneficial it can be to their health. It's packed with antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients that can improve your mood when you're low on energy or craving chocolate. The antioxidants in chocolate can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and even help with weight loss. It's also good for your brain — just one-half ounce provides fewer calories than a Snickers bar! Dark chocolate doesn't raise blood sugar as high as other types of chocolate so it can be used as an alternative to starchy foods when counting carbohydrates.
Good for The Heart
Chocoholics beware: dark chocolate is not just for flavor. The active ingredients in chocolate, including flavonoids and antioxidants, have been shown in studies to lower blood pressure by as much as 13% and improve blood flow through the heart. And while an antioxidant might not sound like much, studies have suggested that eating a decent-size handful of chocolate each day could help prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering your LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 9%.
Great for The Skin
A good dark chocolate gift is not just a treat that keeps on giving. It could also be a signal that the giver cares about your health. Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage – possibly preventing wrinkles and making you look younger. And just as important, they can improve your skin's ability to fight off free radicals that contribute to skin damage and anti-aging effects.
Improves Brain Activity
Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids that have been shown in experiments to improve nerve cell communication in the brain. The molecules get into your brain and act like tiny power plants, energizing your brain and body. If you eat lots of chocolate, your body will produce more of these precursors to dopamine, a chemical associated with reward. Chocolate contains other ingredients such as polyphenols which are also potent antioxidants.
What Kind Should I Get?
Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content or more is thought to provide numerous health benefits. A recent study has shown that even a small amount of dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and maintain good cholesterol. With all these very positive health benefits, it makes a great choice as a gift for people of all ages.
Whenever you're in the mood for chocolate, visit our candy land here. With a wealth of sweets to choose from, we're confident you'll find something that will leave you feeling happy. From chocolate-covered cherries to hard candies, and even truffles, Annie's Sweets can be your "sweet spot" for finding the right gift for a friend or family member.