Cranberry Juice and Dark Chocolate

Cranberry Juice and Dark Chocolate

Cranberry juice and dark chocolate. A weird combination, don't you think? But since we're on the topic of delicious food and good health, it isn't. Fact is dark chocolate and cranberry juice are two of the most studied types of food right now regarding health benefits. The good news is that the results look very promising.

What's in it for dark chocolate lovers?

Good news. According to a recent study done at Bloomberg School of Public Health and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, scientists concluded that this chemical found in cocoa beans induces a biochemical reaction similar to aspirin—that is, reducing platelet clumping, and therefore preventing a heart attack. This is definitely good news for dark chocolate lovers around the world.

But don't take this as a pass to eat large amounts of dark chocolate everyday. After all, dark chocolate contains insane amounts of sugar, cream and butter. Two tablespoons of dark chocolate everyday should be enough for the chemical to make its effect on the body.

What's in it for cranberry juice lovers?

This superfruit won't go down without a fight. According to Amy Howell, the cranberry is right up there as one of the top healthiest food for the body. It has many proven health benefits, something you won't find in other foods since their benefits came from poor word-of-mouth rather than a scientist's findings. Amy Howell is a researcher at Rutgers University.

Cranberry has its effects on yeast infections, heart disease and other conditions such as stroke, cancer and viral infections. Cranberries block urinary infections. But you already knew that, didn't you? Proacthocyanidine in cranberries prevent plaque buildup on teeth, and it also increases levels of HDL or good cholesterol. In short, the cranberry is your average jack-of-all-trades.

Partners in good health

A healthy balance of dark chocolate and a glass of cranberry juice to complement a healthy lifestyle ought to be enough for these foods to take their effects.

We do not recommend you take them both at the same time. Maybe you could nibble on a chocolate bar while drinking coffee in the morning. Then a healthy meal and a glass of cranberry juice during lunch time. That sounds easy enough.

Stick to this diet and you're on your way to a lifetime of good health.

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