Chocolate lovers, rejoice! I love chocolate too, so I did my research about its many health advantages. The key is, the darker the better, and I recommend at least 70% cacao.
The magic in those little cocoa beans is due to the tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids that are strong antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage. Free radicals cause “oxidative stress” and cell damage, which is bad for your body and is related to many chronic diseases. Chocolate to the rescue!
The tannins inhibit bacterial growth on teeth. This reduces plaque biofilm. Polyphenols neutralize the bacteria that cause bad breath, preventing gum disease and stopping tooth decay. This reduces strep mutans and strep sobrinus that cause dental diseases. The flavonoids slow tooth decay.
One of the ingredients in the cacao seeds is theobromine, which is a safe substance for humans, unlike fluoride. And unlike fluoride, it's safe to swallow. There's even a DIY chocolate toothpaste recipe from Dr. Mark Bruhenne. There's also a ready made chocolate toothpaste available on Amazon.
So, chocolate lovers, relax and enjoy your favorite treat ... in moderation! My dentist told me that one dark chocolate square a day will provide chocolate's many health benefits.
More interesting topics from Barbara Tritz
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Barbara Tritz, MSB, BSDATE, RDH, is a biological dental hygienist and orofacial myofunctional therapist whose blog, Queen of Dental Hygiene, provides patients the information they need to help them on their healing journey. “Our one-hour appointment time was just not long enough to share all the many important facts I wanted our patients to learn. Dental hygiene is about so much more than just teaching brushing and flossing," says Barbara. “We are healers, educators, and lifesavers, and we need to give our patients the tools and skills to empower them to true wellness and health.”
