Coffee

Since its discovery, history and science have been trying to prove coffee a drink that should be banned, but the more deeply coffee is studied, the more positive qualities are found. While coffee shouldn’t be classified as a health drink, it certainly has been shown to have some amazing health properties. In recent studies it has been credited with lowering the risk of Diabetes Type 2, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and Colon Cancer. It has also been touted as being high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to help with the prevention of cancer.

Dark Chocolate

Much like coffee, chocolate grows on trees—the cacao tree to be precise. Also like coffee, chocolate is derived from the seeds of the fruit of the tree it grows on. The beans are roasted and ready for use in a myriad of chocolate products. Cacao beans and the products derived from them, like pure cocoa and cooking chocolate, are very bitter until sugar is added.

In recent years studies have shown that dark chocolate, not the milk chocolate most of us consume, can be beneficial to our health. This is because dark chocolate contains more of the original plant-based cacao bean which gives us more of the natural plant nutrients. These studies state that dark chocolate, like coffee, is rich in antioxidants and also helps in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

So now you have it. Two things that we are generally passionate about can also be good for us. It comes as no surprise that the end products of these two beans are even more delicious when combined.

Great Ways to Enjoy

Coffee and chocolate go well together. In fact together, they create a flavor commonly known as Mocha. I often enjoy my one square of dark chocolate with a cup of coffee as an occasional treat. You can experiment with both coffee and chocolate in some of your favorite recipes and not just desserts either. Chili is a natural for accommodating both.

A Word of Caution

Just because something is said to be good for you doesn’t mean that you can go crazy. Moderation is the most important thing. Also choosing them in the best form is also important when it comes to benefiting from the healthier qualities. I love dark chocolate bars. I look for 60% cacao bars and above. I then eat one to two squares a day. Why? Because dark chocolate also comes with a large amount of fat and calories. In fact, you can really taste the richness when you are eating it. For me, indulging in a little bit of something that is delicious and rich in things that are good for me is so worth it, as opposed to an entire case of crap.

When it comes to coffee, I am always seeking coffee that I really love and I basically stick to drinking one cup a day. After years of drinking it, I still enjoy the lift it gives me and notice the great flavor every morning. For the rest of the day, water is my drink of choice.

Another thing to keep in mind is your personal health. Check in with your doctor to make sure that you don’t have any health issues that would suggest that coffee and dark chocolate are not for you.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all.

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