Wondering what you should get your loved one for Valentine’s Day? The desire to be original can be a strong one for many people planning their romantic day, but one classic should always be a prominent part of the celebrations. Chocolate, the preferred treat for people of all ages and from all walks of life, was once considered a decadent treat that warranted caution, since it was notoriously believed to be hazardous for your health. In recent years, however, chocolate has been slightly vindicated as researchers have learned that it may actually help improve certain aspects of your health, including your smile.
A Few Good Reasons to Love Chocolate
- The sugar in chocolate can be dangerous to your teeth if consumed in excess, but chocolate also contains a wealth of antioxidants that help combat harmful chemicals in the body. According to research, darker chocolate possesses more benefits to your health than lighter versions, like milk chocolate, that contain additional kinds of fat and fewer antioxidants.
- One of the most well-known benefits of the antioxidants is their ability to prevent certain cardiovascular issues. A Swedish study found that subjects who ate at least 45 grams of chocolate, or about two bars, experienced a 20% decreased risk of suffering a stroke.
- Another benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce inflammation, which contributes to the help they can lend your heart health. Inflammation is a main contributing factor to a number of health issues, including heart attack and disease. It’s also the driving force behind the destruction of gum disease, and controlling inflammation is the key to preventing chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Though it may seem counterintuitive given how sweet chocolate is, studies suggest that it may help you control diabetes. Chocolate is suspected to help improve insulin production, which is vital to mediating your blood sugar levels, among other things. Diabetes is a disease that affects sugar regulation, and can complicate a number of other systemic health issues.
About Your Livonia Dentist:
As a highly experienced general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Stewart is dedicated to helping all of our patients enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile. James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.