Healing Pathways of Rockford, IL recently offered a community program called The Benefits of Chocolate: Love Your Heart presented by registered nurse Laura Padron. Dark chocolate is another one of nature’s foods that has so many health benefits. To help you enjoy dark chocolate guilt free, I invited Laura to share some wisdom with you.
The word chocolate comes from the Aztec word Xocolatl, which means bitter water. Chocolate is made from the fruit pods and beans of the cacao tree—available in many varieties, flavors, and forms.
Cacao is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Cacao can lower bad cholesterol or LDL and increase good cholesterol HDL. Cacao contains many beneficial minerals and augments serotonin excretion, making it known as nature’s anti-depressant. 70% or greater for dark chocolate is best for you.
Be mindful of the dark chocolate you purchase. Look for a brand that does not have artificial soy lecithin, artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. One to two ounces per day is a heart healthy and soulful nutritional treat. My favorite is TAZA. Enjoy!
Laura Padron RN, MS, BSN, CCRN has over thirty years of bedside nursing experience and continues to practice Critical Care and ED Nursing. Laura founded AeBn-Advanced Education in 1999. AeBn offers CPR, ACLS and PALS Courses for all healthcare providers. AeBn also offers CPR and AED Training for non-healthcare providers. Laura is a keynote speaker, providing courses and lectures on Basic Dysrhythmia Interpretation, 12 Lead Interpretation, Care of the Cardiac Patient, and Creating and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments. Laura is on the speaker’s bureau for Hospira and lectures across the nation on the drug Precedex.
Healing Pathways is an independent organization committed to offering free supportive services to those touched by cancer. Through education, inspiration, and complementary therapies, Healing Pathway encourages individuals to discover their own healing pathway.
Finishing the Race 