Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate, right?!
So some of us got to talking about chocolate the other night. Specifically, dark chocolate. I have successfully used dark chocolate to soothe the stomach rumbles before. I just thought maybe I was weird (or lucky?) like that. And when I finally had some dark chocolate post-treatment, I was so excited! Chocolate! I mean, don’t get a yogurt anywhere near me, but chocolate! It’s not just me, though. Apparently, studies have shown that substances in dark chocolate (w/out unhealthy additives or sugar) help ease gastrointestinal upsets.
Take, for example, this one (updated link 6.10.21)). From the article: “The good microbes, such as Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, feast on chocolate,” she said. “When you eat dark chocolate, they grow and ferment it, producing compounds that are anti-inflammatory.” The other bacteria in the gut are associated with inflammation and can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. These include some Clostridia and some E. coli.”
Chocolate! As a special Valentine’s Day gift to myself (err…from Trent) I bought some Elements Truffles chocolate. It’s divine. And in moderation, good for me and my gut!
Wider than the Sky 