Chocolate and Red Wine

Although supplementation can be critical, there are ways that are even more fun to get your antioxidants. This is why when I recommend avoiding sugar, I also add the 3 magic words "except for chocolate!" Chocolate’s high levels of antioxidants (especially dark chocolate), as well as its containing a natural mood enhancer, are the reasons for this recommendation. For example, according to the results of a study conducted at Cornell University, the concentration of cancer fighting antioxidants in hot cocoa was significantly higher than those in red wine, green tea, or black tea. On the other hand, one could always wash the chocolate down with some red wine, and get the best of both.

Chocolate has other fringe benefits, including improving energy and being associated with a markedly lower risk of heart disease. Children born to women who regularly ate chocolate during their pregnancies were more likely to be "sweet natured." Taking high levels of antioxidants during pregnancy also decreases the risk of the baby having asthma.

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Nutritional primer

We have a 20,000 word primer on nutrition at our website that provides more detail with study references on each nutrient. Click here to visit the "Antioxidants" section of our primer.