March 20th-26th is American Chocolate Week
Senior Care in Greenburgh NY
While chocolate can’t really be considered a “health food,” it certainly has its positives! Though it is sweet and slightly addictive, there are some health benefits to eating chocolate on a regular basis. Of course, this is great news for seniors and caregivers who love to snack on chocolate sweets. During American Chocolate Week (March 20th-26th), seniors and caregivers can celebrate by learning all of the health benefits of chocolate and by learning some different and healthy ways to serve it. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare chocolate that can fit right in to a senior’s healthy diet and allow them to enjoy it frequently. Read on to learn more about this favorite food!
Health Benefits of Chocolate:
The most nutritious type of chocolate is dark chocolate that is 70-85% cocoa. Though this type of chocolate has a more bitter flavor, it does not contain as much sugar and fat as milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is a good source of essential minerals that seniors need such as iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, and selenium. In addition, dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and may prevent forms of cancer. Of course, it is important to consume chocolate in moderation despite the wonderful health benefits. In this case, it is possible to have too much of a good thing as chocolate, as it is commonly prepared, comes with sugar, fat, and calories. Fortunately, there are few ways to prepare chocolate so that it is delicious and nutritious!
Healthy Ways to Prepare Chocolate:
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a great way to get chocolate, vitamins, and fiber at the same time! Use melted dark chocolate to cover strawberries and then refrigerate. Seniors can enjoy a berry or two for a guilt-free dessert this American Chocolate Week!
- Brownies are a delicious dessert that can get a healthy make-over with black beans. Make black bean brownies by replacing the four with ground-up black beans. These brownies will not only be fudge-like, they will be filled with protein and fiber, too!
- Instead of chocolate chip cookies, make oatmeal cookies and add dark chocolate chips. To make them even more healthy, add in raisins and walnuts and swap out the oil for applesauce. These would even be a heart-healthy breakfast cookie!
If you or an aging loved one are looking for senior care in Greenburgh, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!
- How Can You Tell When Your Elderly Loved One Really Can’t Live on Her Own Any Longer? - May 12, 2017
- Four Age-related Vision Problems in Seniors - April 14, 2017
- 5 Things to Know About Occupational Therapy - April 7, 2017