Food For Thought

Show someone you care by gifting them with 25, 50 or 100 deliciously sweet candies! Valentines Day has different meanings and big boxes of chocolate come to mind for many people. Every dentist in Knoxville will tell you to brush your teeth and the message is even more overstated when sugar is involved. You’ve probably seen a Facebook post saying that chocolate is good for you. Some claim it is an essential elixir of well being, capable of all kinds of bodily magic. Lets take a look at Chocolate and see what all the fuss is about.

The posts are true, well sort of. Researchers in Japan found that the cocoa bean husk has a benefit to your oral health. Cocoa husk has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth and can fight plaque and other damaging agents. But wait, don’t go grabbing your Snickers bar just yet. For the ultimate therapeutic effect it’s best to CHEW on cacao nibs instead of gobbling down a box of Russell Stover. Most people would find it unappetizing to chew on a dry husk so here is your second option.

Your second best choice is dark chocolate. Try to find chocolate with less than 6-8 grams of sugar per serving. Be aware that chocolate is a calorie-rich food, so modify your calorie intake accordingly. Raw chocolate is even a better choice, as it it less processed, and more of the antioxidants are left intact.

Dark chocolate has a good amount of antioxidants and if you’re trying to stay healthy you should consume all the antioxidants you can get. Dark chocolate only, we’re not talking about the creamy goodness that is milk chocolate! Remember, no matter how many health claims are associated with the latest wonder food you should always follow the dentists advice and brush your teeth!