Tip #180: Celebrate American Heart Month in February

As if we needed another reason to “heart” chocolate, the scientific journal Heart published a recent study linking “habitual chocolate consumption” to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Read it here.

This isn’t the first study to link chocolate to heart health. Other studies have also led scientists to believe that the plant compounds found in cacao beans, known as polyphenols, seem to improve the health of our blood vessels. Polyphenols cause blood vessels to expand, reducing blood pressure. Individuals with healthy blood vessels and healthy blood pressure are less likely to develop heart disease.

Unfortunately, there are no claims that chocolate is by no means the end-all, cure-all when it comes to heart disease or health in general. It is a good excuse to educate customers on the health benefits of chocolate next month and encourage trial of dark chocolate (65% cocoa or above).

Check out this fun video on the health benefits of chocolate, perhaps worthy ofsharing during American Heart Month.

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