<p>Vitalina for Getty Images</p>

Vitalina for Getty Images

Expecting candy and roses for Valentine’s Day? Or planning to give out something sweet to your clients? Try dark chocolate! Your Valentine’s Day can be both indulgent and healthy. Based on information from nutritionadvance.com, here are the five Healthy Hairdresser benefits your body gets from dark chocolate:

  1. Packs a nutrient punch. The nutritional value of any food is determined by its nutrient density. Per ounce, a dark chocolate bar with 85% cacao solids contains nearly half the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of manganese and copper, a third of the RDA of magnesium and measurable amounts of iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, selenium, riboflavin, calcium and niacin. Dark chocolate also contains polyphenols, a phytonutrient found in plant foods and rich with antioxidants. The “cost” is 150-175 calories.
  2. Helps the heart. The latest research indicates that dark chocolate has multiple heart-healthy properties. It can cut a body’s LDL “bad cholesterol” levels, raise the HDL “good cholesterol,” lower blood pressure, reduce insulin sensitivity and relieve inflammation.
  3. Helps shield skin from UV damage. The flavenoids in dark chocolate appear to improve the skin’s natural resistance to the sun’s UV rays—not enough to skip your sunscreen, but every little bit helps.
  4. Wakes us up. The compound theobromine in dark chocolate acts in a way similar to caffeine to sharpen our alertness, focus and energy.
  5. Spreads happiness. The serotonin and tyrosine in dark chocolate release feel-good endorphins; some studies even show benefits for patients suffering from depression and other mental health issues. Plus it tastes good, and that makes us happy!

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