WINE...OR CHOCOLATE?

In an earlier post I wrote about the recent findings on the medicinal benefits of regularly drinking alchohol. Doctors compared its benefits to those of regularly taking aspirin. My point was, that the dangers of drinking far outweigh the benefits considering the benefits of drinking alchohol can be replicated or improved upon through other means.

In my wife's latest Prevention Magazine (Feb. issue) there is a fascinating article on the health benefits of dark chocolate, specifically Dove dark chocolate. According to the article, eating an ounce of Dove dark chocolate a day 'packs more than twice the healthy antioxidant punch of red wine or other dark chocolates.' The article also states,

In the test tube, Cocoapro cocoa reduces blood clotting; it may also stabilize arterial plaque, making it less likely to travel and cause a stroke or heart attack. This effect is similar to that of aspirin.

In comparing the antioxidant contents of various foods, Dove Dark chocolate ranks at the top with 41 mg. of Catechins & Epicatechins (1.3 oz. of chocolate) compared to 20 mg. for regular dark chocolate, 16 for 4 oz. of red wine, 9 for a small raw apple with skin, and 5 mg. for 6 oz. of black tea.

So whether you're after antioxidants or blood-thinning, try their hot chocolate recipe (2 Dove Promises in a mug of hot 1% milk) instead of red wine. You'll be making the healthier choice, and you can still drive afterwards.

[Prevention did not have this article online, however there was a related news brief.]