Chocolate is not only delicious but also very nutritious. When you eat 70-80% dark chocolate you get a load of antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, iron, magnesium, copper and other minerals.
In some studies chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve the health of blood vessels by increasing NO (Nitric Oxide) in circulation.
Cocoa powder has also been shown to lower levels of oxidized LDL and increase HDL, therefore improving cardiovascular health risk. All this is so great to hear and to think that we can eat chocolate all day and in large quantities.
However, it's important to understand that all these benefits are seen in people who make all other health changes like eating an anti-inflammatory diet and decreasing refined carbohydrate intake and controlling blood sugar levels.
By the way, chocolate also helps you control insulin resistance, which helps improve blood sugar levels and we know that this has great effects on the development of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
So, on World Chocolate Day, eat some dark chocolate and if you want something really healthy for breakfast, feel free to download my recipe for Cherry Chocolate Smoothie. It's chockfull of antioxidants!
⏬ DOWNLOAD THE CHERRY CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE RECIPE HERE
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For my brunch with my daughter Andrea, I prepared a homemade cassava tortilla and topped it with ham, arugula, carrots, avocado and olive tapenade. I finished it with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This is the Recipe I used
