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Dark Chocolate from Your McHenry Chiropractor

picture of dark chocolates in a red heart containerOk, OrthoIllinois Chiropractic can't present you a piece of chocolate via the computer, but we are able to share some of its benefits with you.

First of all, chocolate is good for you, especially the dark chocolate kind. Really! Could that be why 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are bought for Valentine's Day? (1) Probably not, but your McHenry chiropractor hopes you get one full of dark chocolates!

Chocolate and its principal ingredient, cocoa, have beneficial results for your heart, mind and body.

  • Cocoa has about 4 times higher antioxidant capacity than green tea and twice that of red wine. (2) The anti-oxidant flavanols found in cocoa beans decreases cell damage in heart disease and help reduce blood pressure. (4,6)
  • Moderate (not overly indulgent!) consumption of dark chocolate offers blood pressure reducing effects and anti-inflammatory activity. (3,6)
  • The anti-oxidants and the larger magnesium content in dark chocolate might improve constipation problems and even speed up bowel movements! (2,5) We chiropractors know that constipation when you have back pain isn't good!

These conclusions are why OrthoIllinois Chiropractic can put up with the enjoyment of dark chocolate...in moderation, of course. Mood, memory, brain function, heart, immune system and stress reduction may all benefit as well. (2) Whose day isn't enhanced with a piece of chocolate?!

OrthoIllinois Chiropractic knows that not all nutrition has to be in pill form or even boring food form. Check out these articles, then chat with us about the viability of adding some dark chocolate to your life at your next McHenry chiropractic visit. Contact us now to set that up before all the chocolate hearts start arriving!
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."