One of the number one gifts alongside flowers for Valentine's day is chocolate. As this "day-of-love" approaches chocolate sales skyrocket, and with good reason. In a survey conducted by Debra Waterhouse, author of "Why Women Need Chocolate," 50% of women chose chocolate over sex. While chocolate sales soar on Valentine's Day, most of the chocolate sold is the not so healthy milk chocolate which is usually loaded with unhealthy fats and sugar. For many, dark chocolate is more of an acquired taste, so consider giving it a few shots before you immediately go back to milk chocolate.
Dark chocolate is anything with a 65% or more cacao. The higher the cacao the healthier the chocolate is. Unlike milk chocolate, most of the fat found in dark chocolate comes from healthy unsaturated fats that have actually been shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Dark chocolate is also an extremely rich source of flavanols which are antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals damage cells and speed up the appearance of aging, but a small amount of dark chocolate here and there can help combat it. In addition dark chocolate helps stimulate feelings of pleasure and helps to act like an anti-depressant.
Granted dark chocolate has numerous health benefits, it can still promote weight gain if not consumed in moderation. Henry's Market in Costa Mesa sells dark chocolate with various cacao percentages. Consider starting out with the lower percentages at first if you haven't had much dark chocolate before, and work your way up as you acquire more of a taste for it. Dagoba seems to be a popular dark chocolate brand that you may want to consider. In doing so you will be making a healthier switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate.
V-Day dark chocolate gift ideas
- Dark chocolate covered straberries (a favorite of many women)
- A bottle of red wine and dark chocolate for wonderful pairing
- Godiva dark chocolate gift basket
- Assortment box of dark chocolates
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