In the Name of Love and Health
Dark Chocolate and Antioxidants
If your significant other suffers from a chronic pain condition, the traditional gift of chocolate is romantic and healthful. Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is a superfood with many health benefits. Dark chocolate contains minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Dark chocolate is derived from the cacao bean, which contains flavonoids – antioxidants with many health benefits. Milk chocolate does not contain much cacao; it gets its flavor from sugar, cocoa butter, and milk. So, while a Reese’s Peanut Butter Heart may be delicious, it will not provide the same nutrients as a quality piece of dark chocolate. The more bitter, the better.
The antioxidants found in cacao are said to prevent oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals. Excessive free radicals can damage tissues and cells within the body, and oxidative stress hastens the aging process.
Inflammation Fighter
Inflammation results throughout the body in reaction to trauma, germs, or excessive stress. Chronic inflammation can be blamed for many diseases, including autoimmune diseases. The cacao within dark chocolate has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have shown that people who regularly eat dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao (70% and 84%) have reduced their inflammatory biomarkers. More studies are needed, but in the meantime, why not enjoy that chocolate bar in the name of love and health?
Endorphins
Here is where chocolate can have a more immediate benefit to chronic pain patients. Dark chocolate is thought to heighten the production of endorphins, sometimes described as nature’s opiates. Endorphins aid in pain relief and can make for a better mood. Dark chocolate is also the only known dietary source of anandamide, which is a natural cannabinoid and can also aid in pain relief.
Other Benefits
Dark chocolate is believed to have heart benefits and may reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while raising HDL (good cholesterol). This function reduces the risk of arterial plaque buildup. Daily consumption of dark chocolate has also been linked to a reduced risk of stroke.
Some research shows that daily chocolate helps improve blood flow to the brain. It has been studied for its preventative effect on dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Who knew a heart-shaped box of delicious treats could do all that?
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If you or anyone you love suffers from chronic pain resulting from a car accident caused by a negligent party, call my office for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400, or if phoning long-distance: (800) 404-5400.
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I have worked as an injury lawyer in the Sacramento community for over three decades. Please review the links below, where you can find what my clients say about my work and the results I have achieved for them:
Photo Attribution: pixabay user Poetryboy74
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