Cocoa may be an aphrodisiac, but according to Marissa Lippert, MS, RD, it helps your heart in other ways, too.
Pure cocoa is packed with magnesium and flavonols (antioxidants), which relax blood vessels and can help lower blood pressure. Here are some healthy ways to get the benefits:
When it comes to chocolate, stick to dark, says Lippert, as it has almost 4x the flavonol content of milky versions. Look for very dark bars (at least 65% cocoa) with few added ingredients, or products with cacao nibs (the “meat” of the cacao bean) like Sweetriot.
Watch your servings. Chocolate is high in calories and fat, so it’s best eaten in small quantities. Lippert suggests 2-3 small squares of high-quality dark chocolate like Green & Black’s or a serving of fresh fruit dipped in it.
Experiment with cocoa in your next meal. Dutch-processed cocoa loses its flavonols, so look for non-Dutch versions like Dagoba’s or Scharffen Berger’s (or check out this list for other friendly brands)—then try them in recipes like Cocoa-Chili-Rubbed Chicken or Toasted Quinoa.
VJD Bonus: Instead of hot chocolate, opt for cocoa-infused tea. Take 25% off Mighty Leaf Tea’s whole leaf versions with cacao nibs by using code VITALJUICE. (Offer good for VJD subscribers only through 3/6).
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