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At Lifestyle 180, we have found that a positive outlook, and a good mood, are integral parts of helping you stay committed to a healthier you.   So, what is one of our tasty little secrets?   Dark chocolate.

For our participants, this is big news.  Dark chocolate, with at least 70% cacao (make sure you read those labels), consumed in a moderate way, has been shown to be good for your mood and for heart health.  When it comes to heart health, we call this “cardio-protective”, and the US Preventive Services Task Force has indicated the importance of “cardio-protection” for preventing chronic disease.

So, why dark chocolate?  Scientists believe it may have to do with these great agents, called “anti-oxidants”, especially “flavonoids”.  The mood part…well, you don’t need scientists to tell you that a little chocolate is good for a brighter disposition!

Now remember, dark chocolate is still high in calories and saturated fats, so small amounts are important.  Think of it as a well deserved reward for getting through the day, achieving your 10,000 steps, and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

 Dr. Elizabeth Ricanati is the director of The Cleveland Clinic's LifeStyle 180 program and a regular columnist for ShareWIK.com
 

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