Hello, 2024! With a new year comes the opportunity for new experiences, positive changes, and a fresh start. Insert New Year’s Resolutions. Did you make any?
If you are like millions of other Americans, chances are you made some resolutions. And, likely, at least one has to do with improving your health.
Whether it’s losing weight, being more active, trying a new sport, or eating healthy, many of us want to live a healthier lifestyle. Does that mean no more sweets? No more cookies?! Are you feeling down yet?
The idea of giving up favorite treats is daunting. But, chin up. There are ways to improve your health and have your cookies, too. The following three ingredients not only taste delicious, but they have several health benefits as well.
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Dark Chocolate
It’s not very often that you meet someone who doesn’t like chocolate. From cookies to cakes, puddings to candies, and everything in between, chocolate is a favorite for people worldwide. But do you know this delectable treat can actually have health benefits?
It’s true. At least for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate often gets a bad rap because it’s not as sweet as other types of chocolate. But what it lacks in sweetness, it makes up for in health benefits. Once you see all of the benefits it provides, you may come over to the dark side.
1. Brain Health
Dark chocolate contains nutrients and antioxidants (flavonols), soluble fiber, and several minerals that can improve brain function. The higher the cocoa content, the more brain-boosting power the chocolate contains.
Some benefits your brain receives from dark chocolate include:
- Improved Brain Blood Flow And Oxygenation
- Better Memory
- Increased Attention And Concentration
- Faster Processing Speed
2. Skin
The flavonols found in high-quality dark chocolate can increase your skin’s hydration. This will result in smoother, better-looking skin. These antioxidants can also help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
3. Heart Health
What if we told you that regularly eating small amounts of dark chocolate can lower your risk of heart disease? It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. Dark chocolate provides some incredible heart-healthy benefits, including:
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Lower Bad Cholesterol (LDL)
- Increased Good Cholesterol (HDL)
4. Mood
Like a best friend who’s always there when you need them, chocolate won’t disappoint you.
Going through a breakup? Chocolate ice cream will get you through. Bombed a test? A chocolate comfort cookie (or twelve) will cheer you up. Your period got you feeling blah? Feel better with your favorite candy bar. Whatever the problem, chocolate is the answer.
Chocolate is proven to have a positive effect on moods. The cocoa bean has several components to thank for your improved mood. Other benefits include decreased stress, reduced risk of depression, and increased feelings of happiness.
Lemon
Next on our list is lemon. While lemon may not be as cherished as chocolate, it is a deliciously refreshing ingredient. Lemon pies, bars, cookies, and cakes are mouthwatering desserts that brighten any gathering.
Plus, lemons are chock full of health benefits, with the peel being the most nutrient-dense part. Consuming lemons or adding lemon zest to your cookies and other foods can positively affect your health. So, pucker up and check out these fantastic benefits from lemons.
1. Reduces Cancer Risks
Cancer is one word no one ever wants to hear regarding themselves or their loved ones. News like that is devastating. What if someone told you there are ways to help prevent certain types of cancers?
Although no cancer is 100% preventable, eating particular foods can help prevent some cancers. Regularly consuming lemons can reduce your risk of colon, prostate, and skin cancers.
2. Supports Weight Loss
The soluble fiber in lemons helps you feel full longer. Additionally, lemons contain polyphenols, which suppress fat accumulation and assist in controlling body weight.
3. Supports Heart Health
The fiber and plant compounds in lemons can help lower your cholesterol. On top of that, lemons are high in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can reduce your risk of heart disease.
4. Helps Control Diabetes
The soluble fiber in lemons reduces blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of sugar and starch.
5. Improves Digestion
The pectin found in lemon peel can help with constipation and indigestion.
Peanut Butter
Many people find peanut butter to be delicious. However, it is high in fat, calories, and sodium. Plus, peanut butter can have unnecessary added sugars, depending on the brand. These factors make it seem like peanut butter isn’t the healthiest choice of ingredients.
But that does not have to be the case. Natural peanut butter actually has several health benefits, including the following:
1. Supports Weight Loss
Although it is high in fat, peanut butter can be part of a weight loss plan. The fat, fiber, and protein content in peanuts increases the sensation of being full and controls appetite. These things lead to less food consumption, thus encouraging weight loss.
2. Boosts Muscles
For those looking to build muscle or gain healthy weight, eating peanut butter is a great way to add calories and unsaturated fat to your diet. Peanut butter is also a good source of the protein, magnesium, and potassium needed to build and repair muscles, prevent cramps, and aid muscle recovery.
3. Supports Heart Health
Peanut butter contains both monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Along with these healthy fats, peanut butter is full of antioxidants. These components promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Manages Blood Sugar Levels
Peanut butter is low in carbs but contains protein, fats, and fiber. These factors are ideal for a person with diabetes as they will keep them full without a blood sugar spike.
The oleic acid in peanut butter decreases insulin resistance, which lowers blood sugar. This fatty acid also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. Helps you Sleep Better
Your body uses the tryptophan found in peanut butter to make melatonin. Sufficient melatonin levels help your body regulate its sleep and wake cycles. So, eating more peanut butter may mean a better night’s sleep.
Peanut butter also contains magnesium, which calms your body, making it easier to fall asleep.
Each of these ingredients is delicious and has numerous health benefits. So, don’t be afraid to indulge a little. Try your hand at making gourmet chocolate chip cookies using dark chocolate chips. Or, better yet, order some lemon meltaways or double-frosted peanut butter chip cookies from your favorite online cookie delivery service.
Just remember that moderation is key. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Even when it comes to cookies. Sigh.
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Infographic
When it comes to finding a balance between healthy and indulgent food choices, three ingredients stand out: dark chocolate, lemon, and peanut butter. Check out the infographic to learn more.
