{"id":94,"date":"2019-02-03T21:49:31","date_gmt":"2019-02-03T21:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texastoothlady.com\/blog\/?p=94"},"modified":"2019-02-07T16:51:36","modified_gmt":"2019-02-07T16:51:36","slug":"dentist-in-uptown-houston-helps-prepare-valentines-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texastoothlady.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/03\/dentist-in-uptown-houston-helps-prepare-valentines-day\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dentist in Uptown Houston Helps You Prepare for Valentine\u2019s Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AFebruary is here, which means Valentine\u2019s Day is right around the corner. When you think of Valentine\u2019s Day, your first thought probably jumps to the gift you\u2019re going to get your special someone. If you plan on getting chocolate, (or at the very least plan on eating chocolate during the holiday) it\u2019s important that you understand how it can affect your oral health.<\/p>\n

Today, a dentist in Uptown Houston<\/a> examines the history of chocolate and tips to protect your teeth this holiday!<\/p>\n

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\"AnA Brief History of Chocolate<\/h2>\n

Chocolate comes from cacao seeds that are roasted and then grounded into a powder. This powder is combined with many other ingredients, including butter, milk, cocoa butter and sugar, to make chocolate. While cacao is not really the focus in most chocolates, it was often the star of beverages used by tribes in Central America some 4,000 years ago. According to the Aztecs and Mayans, chocolate was a discovery ordained by God and labeled a gift to mankind. During that time, it was considered a healing agent, labeled as an aphrodisiac (which is still the case today) and even used for religious rituals.<\/p>\n

How We View Chocolate Today<\/h2>\n

\"AWhile chocolate isn\u2019t given the same level of worship today as it was back then, it\u2019s still one of the most popular ingredients for a wide variety of foods and beverages. Of course, its use should be well-moderated as overconsumption can be dangerous to your health.<\/p>\n

The Health Benefits of Chocolate<\/h2>\n

It is true that cocoa is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can protect the nerves from injury and reduce inflammation. It\u2019s also good for the immune system and cardiovascular system. It\u2019s even good for your skin, which explains why cocoa butter is so popular in the cosmetic aisle. Furthermore, it acts as a natural mood booster, which is why it\u2019s a perfect complement to Valentine\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n

\"AnHealth Issues to Consider<\/h2>\n

With that said, eating too much chocolate can result in a host of health problems. Candy that\u2019s high in sweet or semisweet chocolate means it\u2019s high in sugar, which is linked to:<\/p>\n