These 4 Naughty Food Indulgences Might Actually Be Good for You!

Did you know your favorite indulgent treats can be beneficial to your health? If you constantly feel guilty when snacking on a piece of chocolate, then we’re here to make your day. Now you have an excuse (or three) on why you should eat more chocolate and drink more wine!

1. Chocolate

If you’ve ever needed a reason to eat chocolate, then listen up. Chocolate is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial health compounds that provide a range of benefits. Like what, you ask? Well, thanks to flavanol compounds, it improves blood flow to the retina, improving our eyesight in bad lighting.

Besides being good for our eyes, it’s great for our teeth too! You might think that sugar in chocolate will lead to cavities, but it seems that compounds in chocolate actually have a protective effect, and are as effective as fluoride (if not more) in fighting tooth decay. So dark chocolate gives you bright eyes and beautiful teeth, which basically makes it a beauty food.

2. Cheese

Whether you enjoy it straight up, or on a grilled sandwich, people can’t seem to get enough of cheese. And thanks to the high calorie content, it’s often banished from the kitchens of those following a strict diet.  But there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t avoid cheese completely.

It’s a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and also boosts our energy levels. The selenium mineral, found in hard cheeses, helps the body with the productions of thyroid hormones, necessary for proper thyroid function. Calcium, another common mineral found in cheese, protects teeth from acid and is also good for bone health.

3. Wine

As part of the Mediterranean diet, moderate intake of wine is said to be good for the heart. This is thanks to a naturally occurring polyphenol called resveratrol. This compound helps our heart in many ways. It reduces the bad (LDL) cholesterol, prevents blood clots, and reduces plaque build-up in our arteries.

Besides the making of a happy heart, moderate consumption of red or white wine can actually have a protective effect against dementia. We can raise a glass to that! Remember, moderate consumption is considered one glass of wine (148 mL) per day for women and two glasses per day for men.

4. Beer

Most often associated with a beer belly, beer actually has few health benefits. In each glass of beer, you get nutrients such as protein and vitamin B, something you will not find in wine. Beer is also good for your teeth. A recent study showed that beer extracts block activity of the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

One of the main ingredients in beer called hops, are also said to fight inflammation. We say cheers to that!

Now you know you can eat and drink your way to a healthy heart and beautiful teeth. But remember, all of these snacks are good for you when eaten in moderation. So don’t go overboard and finish the whole bottle of wine in one day!