In moderation, a little chocolate may be beneficial
Baton Rouge, LA – Good news! Doctors have a heart health tip sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Because dark chocolate contains the heart protective antioxidant flavonol, it can benefit your heart in these four ways:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve blood flow to the heart
- Lower “bad” LDL cholesterol
- Promote feelings of relaxation and well-being
“But you have to choose the healthiest dark chocolate by checking the label for 60 to 70 percent cacao,” says Dr. Amanda Watts with Baton Rouge General Physicians – Bella Family Medical. “It has a small amount of sugar for flavor, but a healthy amount of flavonoids making it a good choice when you’re craving something sweet.”
Baton Rouge General even provided a dark chocolate bar for attendees at today’s American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon. Enjoy moderate portions of dark chocolate (e.g., 1 ounce) a few times per week, and don’t forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries.
To better understand the steps you need to live your healthiest life, register for BRG’s $15 heart screening on Saturday, March 3: www.brgeneral.org/loveyourheart.
About Baton Rouge General
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.