We’ve all heard “an apple a day” but can the same be true for the sweet confectionery, chocolate? Dark chocolate and minimally processed cocoa powders provide the most antioxidants that promote vascular health, and has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. Compounds called flavonols are a
specific type of flavonoid found in dark chocolate. These flavonols make your blood platelets less likely to stick together and clot. Chocolate has been found to contain more flavonoids than red wine, black tea and green tea!
Cocoa has also been proven to:
- Reduce the risk of colon cancer
- Help the body absorb healthy fats
- Enhance glucose metabolism
- Improve mood
- Improve brain function
But not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate and minimally processed cocoa powders contain more flavonoids that are beneficial to our health. White and milk chocolate and processed cocoa has very little benefits and are often loaded with sugar, hydrogenated oils, and other unnecessary ingredients. A general rule of thumb is to consume cocoa that is 70 percent or higher for the most disease-fighting antioxidants.
At ShaSha Co we use 100 percent cocoa in our products! Our Cocoa
Snaps are all-natural, made with whole grain flour with no hydrogenated fat, no Trans-fat, and no cholesterol. These snaps are naturally low in fat and sugar and contain a good source of fibre. Manufactured in a peanut-free facility, these cookies are ideal for children to take to school for an afternoon snack.
Chocolate has many potential health benefits however; the bittersweet news comes with the warning of eating in moderation. A serving size of cocoa snaps is 30g or 14 pieces (approximately). A balanced diet combined with exercise is always the key to heart health. So remember, the darker the chocolate, the greater the health benefit!