We are hardwired to like sugary sweet things and it’s so easy at work when we are pushed for time to reach for a bar of chocolate.
Even if you have time for a coffee, the vending machine can be more tempting than the fruit bowl. But the next time you are tempted to reach for some change and press C5 why not have some chocolate on your own terms.
Did you know that eating just a couple of pieces of dark chocolate every day can have clinically significant positive effects on your heart health and blood pressure?
Cocoa contains flavanols and these amazing flavonoid compounds can even boost the flow of blood to your brain.
You need to choose dark chocolate though; something with a high percentage of cocoa. Milk chocolate just won’t work. Try for 70% or more but be warned, the 85% is a bit bitter and can take some getting used to.
So next time you are shopping, buy a bar and keep it in your desk drawer, close to hand, ready for that coffee break. When you hit that afternoon slump be prepared.
If you are responsible for the workplace wellbeing of your colleagues, talk to your team about the benefits and swap the milky stuff for something rich and dark.
A recent brain imaging study of young adults who consumed a higher level of flavonoids showed that they were able to complete complex cognitive tasks better than those who did not. Their brains showed better oxygenation and blood flow.
Professor Aedín Cassidy, director of interdisciplinary research at Queen’s University, Belfast said: “There have been over 42 trials specifically on cocoa flavanols where they have consistently shown benefits in terms of blood pressure reduction, improvements in blood flow, improvements in insulin and in cholesterol levels.”
Flavonoids can be found in certain plants such as strawberries, tea, apples, blueberries, and onions. While munching an onion might not go down well with your workmates, a cup of tea, an apple and a couple of squares of dark chocolate will give you a great flavanol boost. Evidence suggests a couple of squares eaten three to five times a week is best.
At Corporate Personal Wellbeing we advocate a balanced diet, but this is a wonderful way to beat those sugary cravings. Try it for a week and see if you can keep it going.
If you would like to discuss how our registered nutritionists and clinical dieticians can help boost your workplace wellbeing please give us a call.