Category: Uncategorized

You never know when an emergency will happen, and that’s why it’s best to always be prepared. Depending on your location, your business may need to prepare for natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, severe winter weather, or forest fires.  

Make Sure You’re Prepared

Each business will have different needs during an emergency. It’s best to focus on disasters that affect your business directly. If you’re in an area prone to certain natural disasters, you should have a plan in place on how to deal with the situation should it arise.  

Every business should have a first aid kit, but it’s important to make sure that it’s well-stocked. If you’ve had the same first aid kit for years, then it may be time to replenish the items inside. Certain things like medicine or ointments can expire, so check the dates on them and replace them as needed.  

You may have a first aid kit, but do you have a generalized emergency kit? You might need to prepare your business with enough emergency water and food for your employees to last a few days. Your emergency kit should also include flashlights, batteries, a radio, and a tool kit. Make sure it is in an easily accessible area.  

Make sure you have safety procedures and evacuation plans for your building. Each emergency is different, so you may need different plans for each one. It’s important to go over these plans and procedures with your staff.  

Put people into groups with designated leaders to keep each other accounted for. Perform regular drills to stay prepared and make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities. Make sure you are considering the needs of all individuals. Do you have disabled staff or people with medical conditions? Have established procedures for helping each other. The group system can help ensure no one is left behind.  

Keep Backups

If your business deals with information and clients, it’s important to have backup files for all of your data. Many businesses now use cloud-based information systems that store information online. However, you can also use an external hard drive or keep backup files off-site.  

Sometimes power outages occur as a result of natural disasters and storms. Does your business have an emergency power system? Do you use surge protectors to ensure electronics don’t get fried? If your business doesn’t have a generator or an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), then it may be time to consider one. You will likely only need to keep the power on long enough to back-up systems and information, prevent damage to electronics, ensure they’re shut off properly, as well as evacuate your staff.   

Have a Recovery Plan

A lot of businesses aren’t able to open back up after a natural disaster because of severe economic loss. Make sure your business is properly insured with the right commercial insurance coverage. There are coverages for a business interruption which covers the economic loss due to the business not operating and coverages for the building & property, general/employee liability if someone gets injured on your property, as well as other coverages that may be suitable like equipment breakdown insurance. Depending on the area, you may need to purchase separate insurance policies that might not be included in commercial insurance like flood and earthquake insurance.  

Each business has different needs regarding its insurance policy. Talk to your local insurance agent to discuss the best commercial insurance plan for your business.  

Life is often stressful. Between work, family, and keeping up with other tasks, life can become overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to conquer your stress!  

Consume a Healthy & Balanced Diet

Consuming a healthy & balanced diet takes a big role in how you feel. If you consume too much “junk” or overprocessed foods, then you are more likely to feel groggy and not have enough energy to finish your tasks. This could cause you to feel more stressed than usual. Sometimes when we’re stressed, we want to eat comfort foods. This is ok in moderation, but overconsuming comfort food is not good for your overall well-being. Preparing a healthy meal for yourself can also be relaxing! Taking the time and effort to prepare a healthy and delicious meal can make you feel even more satisfied.  

If you’re tired, drinking too much caffeine can also make you stressed. It raises your heart rate and can make you feel more anxious than normal. Drinking too much caffeine can also make it more difficult to sleep at night, and a good night’s rest is an important part of being less stressed!  

If you’re stressed, you may be more likely to turn to alcohol or tobacco to try to reduce stress. However, this can cause more stress to the body and leave you not feeling your best. Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis can also negatively impact your sleep schedule. Tobacco usage puts more stress on the body and reduces blood flow and breathing abilities. Becoming dependent on alcohol or tobacco can cause even more stress if you can’t get your fix.  

Practice Mindfulness  

Practicing mindfulness can positively impact your overall mental health. Mindfulness is being aware of what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. A good way to practice mindfulness is by keeping a journal where you collect your thoughts. Looking back on what you were doing and how you were feeling at the time is an important step in stress reduction. Knowing what triggers stress can help you figure out how to fix it.  

Take some time out of your day for yourself. This time can be spent journaling, or you can also meditate or do some form of exercise you find relaxing. Even simple movements like taking a walk or doing some yoga can be very relaxing. You can always find guided meditations or yoga videos online to help you.  

Practicing mindfulness also includes self-care. Taking a bath with Epsom salts or doing a face mask may seem trivial, but taking extra care of yourself and treating yourself can brighten your mood. Making sure you take care of yourself can help you to feel less stressed in the long run! 

Having someone to talk to about your stress or other problems can also help significantly reduce stress. It’s not good to bottle up these emotions, so journaling and having someone you can talk to, whether it’s a close friend, family member, or even a therapist, are a huge help.  

Set Realistic Expectations 

Many people are stressed because they simply have too much on their plate. Set realistic expectations for yourself and know that you can’t do everything. Part of relieving stress is accepting what you can’t control. If you know you have particular stressors, like the news or a certain family member, try to avoid them as much as possible! It can be difficult, but limiting the amount of time you find stressful can be a huge help.  

Don’t procrastinate. Even if you don’t want to do something now, it’s best not to put it off. Leaving tasks until the last minute can put unnecessary stress on you that you wouldn’t have to deal with had you not procrastinated. 

Realize that it’s okay to say “no.” Sometimes you just need to put yourself first. Creating boundaries can help reduce the amount of stress. No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to please everyone. Accepting this as a part of life can make life less stressful.  

Leading a stressful lifestyle can put a significant amount of stress on the heart and other organs. Make sure you talk to your local insurance agent about your life and health insurance plans to ensure you’re under the most suitable plan for your needs.  

Homeowners’ insurance and renters’ insurance do not cover any damage that is caused by a flood. Everyone should have flood insurance. It’s especially necessary if you live in a designated flood zone or an area that is prone to flooding. It’s always best to make sure you are properly covered with a flood insurance policy.  

What is Flood Insurance? 

Flood insurance is a separate entity from homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. It covers damage to your property and personal belongings. Floods can be brutal and cause extensive water damage. You don’t have to live in a designated flood area to be susceptible to floods. Floods result from melting snow, heavy rainfall, and overflowing creeks/ponds. You can be more susceptible to flooding if you live at the base of a hill or in an area with lower terrain.  

Because no one knows when a flood will happen, you need a special policy for flood insurance. It is typically offered by the federal government and some private insurers. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to get flood insurance—it has a 30-day wait period before the coverage even takes effect.  

What Does Flood Insurance Cover? 

Most flood insurance comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of their National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is underwritten by the federal government but is provided by private insurance agencies. This plan covers up to $250,000 in structural damage and up to $100,000 for personal belongings.  

NFIP covers however much (up to $250k) money it costs to rebuild your home to its state before damage. Your personal belongings coverage will cover their actual cash value, which is how much they are “worth.” This means you may not get as much as you paid for them if their value has deteriorated. You can also get less money back on furnishings or other items stored in your basement (because the water will accumulate at the lowest point of your home and cause more damage there).  

Private Market Flood Insurance 

Sometimes the standard flood insurance may not be enough to cover your home or your belongings. You may also need to take out a private market flood insurance plan if you don’t live in an area the NFIP covers. Many of these private insurances are “first-dollar” coverage, meaning they are similar to the coverage provided by the NFIP but it offers higher levels of coverage. This can also be considered excess flood insurance for those who need more coverage.  

Water damage can be severe and long-lasting. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be required to have flood insurance. However, it is always a good idea to carry flood insurance protection just in case. Talk to your local insurance agent to discuss the best options for your flood insurance plan.  

Renting a property comes with advantages that are often overlooked. You don’t have to worry about home improvements or paying property tax. You can move whenever your lease is up, or if you like the property enough you can sign a new lease. Renting offers plenty of flexibility that owning a property doesn’t. However, there are a few things renters should be knowledgeable about before signing the lease.  

Research the Neighborhood 

You don’t want to get stuck somewhere you won’t enjoy living. Make sure you’re knowledgeable about the crime in the area, as well as the local amenities. You want to live somewhere that’s convenient for you. Are there restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, or public transport nearby? Depending on your needs, these are some things you may want to consider.  

If you own a car, does the rental have its own place to park—or does it have public parking? If loud noises bother you and there are frequent sirens or trains passing by, then maybe it’s not the best place to live.  

Read the Terms of Lease  

Before you sign anything, it is absolutely necessary that you read all parts of the lease agreement. If there is anything you’re unsure of, have a realtor or attorney look over the lease to make sure everything is standard. You will want to pay extra attention to specific rules and clauses of the lease, like if there are pet policies, maintenance & upkeep, and information regarding your rent and security deposit. You don’t want any surprises, so make sure everything is clear and ask questions so you understand everything detailed in the lease.  

Inspect Property 

Make sure you inspect the property upon moving in. If there’s anything “off” report it to the landlord. Document and take pictures of all pre-existing damages and the overall condition of the rental. Test all the appliances and make sure they work properly. Turn on faucets and sinks and check to make sure the water pressure is alright. Ask your landlord if there’s an available move-in/move-out checklist, or you can find one online. Don’t make yourself pay for damage you didn’t do.  

Pay on Time 

Set reminders to pay your rent and bills on time. You don’t want to be late on your rent or your landlord can charge a late fee and not allow you to resign your lease. Paying your rent on time also gives you a better reputation, and your landlord might even write a recommendation for you if you plan to move somewhere else.  

Sometimes landlords accept automatic bank transfers as a way to pay your rent. Talk with your future landlord to see if you can set one up so your rent is always on time.  

Purchase Renters Insurance 

You never know when something will happen, so that’s why it’s best to always be prepared and have coverage in place so you don’t have to worry. Renters insurance can protect you from suffering financial loss due to damage and theft. For example, if your upstairs neighbor floods their apartment and your belongings suffer from water damage you would be covered by your renter’s insurance. Or if there’s a fire in the building and your belongings suffer as a result. It covers your personal belongings in case they get damaged in an unfortunate circumstance, disaster, or if someone breaks into your home.  

Renters insurance can also cover additional living expenses if there were ever a period of time where you’re unable to live in your rental—such as natural disasters. It can also provide guests medical protection in case anyone is injured while in your rental.  

Some landlords may require you to have renters’ insurance before signing the lease.  

Contact one of your local insurance agents to discuss the best renter’s insurance plans for your needs.  

What you do in your day-to-day life actively affects your health. The foods you eat and the personal choices you make drastically impact how your body feels and functions. Eating processed foods can leave you feeling groggy and frequently tired, whereas healthy food can leave you feeling energized and refreshed. Smokers and habitual drinkers often run into health problems like cancer or heart disease later in life. Certain choices can damage your health and well-being leading to illnesses and a shorter lifespan.  

Diet  

Most of us know that eating too much sugar is bad. It can cause high blood sugar and health complications from diabetes. Too much sugar can also cause cavities leading to pricey dental visits. Processed food is easy to grab and eat, but taking the extra step and preparing a healthier option like fruits and vegetables is better for you in the long run. 

Not drinking enough water also negatively impacts your health. Keeping yourself hydrated gives you more energy and allows your organs to function properly. Many people opt for sodas or other beverages, but they are often loaded with sugar and other chemical flavors that add empty calories that lack nutritional value.  

If you find water bland, try drinking some tea without additives. Most premade teas on the store shelf are loaded with sugar or other flavorings, so make your own at home with tea bags. You can also add sliced lemons, cucumbers, or other fruits into your water for a tastier and healthier beverage. 

Personal Choices 

Smoking and drinking alcohol can have major health implications. It is well-known that smoking can cause cancer and other diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Smokers are also susceptible to vision loss and blindness. Smoking can also increase feelings of depression and anxiety. Being a smoker can also affect your insurance rates. Smokers’ health insurance rates tend to be higher because they are known to have more medical issues. 

A few drinks a week might not seem like a big deal. But any amount of alcohol can have a negative impact on the body. Shortly after drinking you may notice symptoms of dehydration like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Frequent alcohol usage can have long-term effects like a weakened immune system, mood changes, memory problems, weight gain, and issues falling asleep. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to liver disease, pancreatic problems, and heart-related medical problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.  

Smoking and drinking during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature birth. Babies can also be born with medical issues like fetal alcohol syndrome, and are more likely to have learning disabilities.  

Both alcohol and smoking are addictive and can create problems in your personal life. Addicts tend to struggle with friends and family members. If you are dependent on alcohol or smoking, please reach out to a specialist or recovery group for help.  

Physical Activity  

Being active is an important part of keeping up your health. A simple 30-minute walk a few times a week will drastically improve your health. Making decisions like parking further away and walking to your destination can also help.  

A lot of people spend most of the day sitting behind a computer screen. It’s necessary for your body to get the activity that it needs. Consider walking around the office as a short mental break to reset your body. Additionally, too much screen time is bad for our eyes. Studies have shown that blue light from screens negatively impacts our sleep cycle. Too much screen usage before bed can make your brain think that it’s still light outside, and therefore won’t start producing melatonin (the sleep hormone) until the lights are off and you’re ready for sleep. 

Not getting enough sleep is also harmful to your body. Being well-rested gives your body and mind the break they need and helps your brain to process all the information from the day. You may have noticed that when you get less than 6 hours of sleep you are more tired throughout the day and are less efficient with your tasks.  

Caffeine can’t solve all your problems. It’s good for a quick fix but you’ll soon notice that you are having difficulty sleeping more often, aren’t able to focus, have depression, and other health-related problems. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and a weakened immune system.  

Connect with your local insurance agent to discuss what policies best fit your medical needs. Consult with a doctor to better discuss your individual health needs. 

If you plan on or are already renting out property that you own, you may want to look into purchasing landlord insurance. Landlord insurance is made so that you don’t suffer any financial loss due to property damage or liabilities. Renting property is a good source of steady income, but you never know when something may happen that damages your property. Whether it’s damage from a fire or a burst pipe, it’s always better to be covered under insurance.  

What is Landlord Insurance  

Landlord insurance financially protects you from damages and liabilities that can occur on your property. When you purchase landlord property protection, it generally covers you from damages from fire, wind, hail, and lightning. Liability covers the costs of medical bills in the event someone is injured on your property and also covers. You can purchase extra coverage for the appliances on your property, or if you provide furnishing you can insure those, as well.  

Why You Need Landlord Insurance 

Anyone renting out a property should have landlord insurance. It covers you from property damage and liabilities. View your insurance policy as a financial investment. If you don’t have landlord insurance and something happens to your property, you could suffer financial loss.  

What Landlord Insurance Covers 

Depending on where you live, how many tenants occupy your property, and what you provide for them affects the cost of your landlord insurance and how much the insurance covers.  

Additional landlord insurance coverages include vandalism, burglary, building codes, and if your building is under construction and something happens to it. Depending on your insurance agency, vandalism isn’t typically covered under a traditional landlord insurance policy, so if vandalism is one of your concerns, you should add it to your coverages.  

Landlord insurance will cover the cost of damages from a break-in, but it doesn’t usually cover stolen items. If you are concerned about furniture or other items from your property being stolen, you should add burglary coverage to your insurance policy.  

If you are renovating or repairing your rental you can purchase coverage to protect your property until it’s ready for inhabitants. If your property can no longer support inhabitants, you can potentially receive loss of income coverage for your losses while your property is repaired.  

What Landlord Insurance Doesn’t Cover 

Landlord insurance will not cover maintenance fees. If any appliances in your property break, you will likely have to pay out of your pocket to repair or replace them. If you live on your property and rent out a room you will most likely not be eligible for landlord insurance. Landlord policies are reserved for “non-owner-occupied” property. You can probably add extra coverage to your homeowner’s policy if you need to.  

Your tenants’ belongings will not be covered under your landlord insurance. They will need to have their own renters’ insurance to cover their own belongings. As a landlord, you can require tenants to have a renter’s insurance policy.  

Connect with your local insurance agent to further discuss landlord’s insurance and what coverage is best for your property needs.  

Earthquake damage can be costly. Depending on the severity and amount of damage, your home may need to be repaired or even rebuilt. Standard homeowners’/renters’ insurance does not cover earthquake damage, so earthquake insurance has to be purchased separately. Earthquake insurance is a good investment for those that live in areas frequently affected by earthquakes.  

Why You Need Earthquake Insurance 

Earthquakes can happen anywhere in the world, and the vast majority of people aren’t prepared. If your home is close to an active fault line (where earthquakes are the most likely to occur), then it is even more important to have earthquake insurance.  

How homes are built also factors into how much damage can occur during earthquakes – the layout of the house, the materials, and even what kind of soil the house is built on are contributing factors. Softer soils will shift more during an earthquake, which can cause extensive damage to the foundation of the home. Homes that are too stiff and rigid (brick and mortar) or irregularly shaped are more likely to collapse than those with more flexibility (wood frames).  

You may also want to consider the value of your home and its contents when purchasing an earthquake insurance plan. If you possess valuable China or crystal, you may want to purchase a more extensive plan that can cover the loss of these items. 

What Earthquake Insurance Covers 

Earthquake insurance and the amount of coverage received depends on an individual’s policy. Earthquake insurance typically has three parts consisting of dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and ALE (additional living expenses)/ loss of use coverage. 

Dwelling Coverage covers your home up to a set amount, also known as “the limit.” This is similar to homeowners’ insurance. This coverage helps pay to repair or rebuild your home in the event an earthquake damages it.  

Personal Property Coverage covers objects in your home like TVs, computers, and furniture that can be damaged during an earthquake and may need to be replaced.  

Additional Living Expenses (ALE), or Loss of Use Coverage covers the cost of living somewhere temporarily while your home is being repaired/rebuilt. It can cover the cost of a rental home, hotels, apartment, moving/storage, restaurant meals, and laundry depending on your personal earthquake insurance plan. This part of the coverage is bound to a set of time that it takes to repair/rebuild your damaged home or the amount of time it takes for you to move to a new, permanent one.  

Consider these coverages when purchasing your earthquake insurance. Each person/family has different needs so it’s better to personalize your insurance plans. 

What Earthquake Insurance Doesn’t Cover 

Earthquakes can cause all different kinds of damage to occur, including fires and flooding. Earthquake insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by fire or flooding from outside your home. Fire damage is covered under homeowners’ insurance. If an earthquake caused a pipe to burst into your home resulting in water damage, homeowners’ insurance would cover this damage. If water from outside of your home were to flood your home as a result of an earthquake, a flood insurance plan would be the coverage you need.  

Earthquake insurance also doesn’t cover any damage that may happen to land after an earthquake occurs, such as sinkholes. It doesn’t cover any damage that may occur to your vehicles – you will need to look at your automobile policy to see if it covers earthquake-related damage. 

Earthquake insurance can cost a pretty penny, and many homeowners choose to forego it. Earthquake damage can be very pricy, so it is better to be prepared and insured than not, as you never know when a devastating earthquake may happen. Reach out to your local independent insurance agent to learn more about earthquake insurance and what plan your home would need. 

If the home is where the heart is, then you should be in love with your homeowner’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance is an essential part of keeping your home and your most important asset safe. It financially protects your home and your personal belongings in the event they are stolen or damaged.  

Why You Need a Homeowner’s Policy  

While you’re not required to have homeowner’s insurance, it is a good idea to have it. If you’re buying a home, you will not be able to get a mortgage or loan to buy a house without one. Your lender will require you to have a homeowner’s policy until the loan is paid off.  

Even if you own your home outright, you should still have homeowner’s insurance—especially if you don’t have the financial means to start over with nothing. Not having a homeowner’s insurance policy can result in life-altering monetary loss. Your home is probably your most valuable asset, so you should want to protect it.  

What Home Insurance Covers  

Home insurance typically covers four areas: the exterior and interior of your home, your personal property, any other buildings or structures on your property (like sheds or garages), and provides liability if someone were to be injured on your property.  

Your homeowner’s policy should cover damage from fire, storms, vandalism, and smoke. It will not cover any damage from earthquakes or floods, as those are separate from homeowner’s insurance.  

In the event your home is damaged and you need a temporary residence, your homeowner’s insurance could cover it. If additional living expenses (ALE) are part of your policy, your insurance will cover the cost. This includes hotel, rent, and even meals. 

The Best Policy for You 

Everyone’s needs are different, and that’s why a homeowner’s policy is customizable. Depending on your needs, you may need more coverage. Apart from the four areas that a homeowner’s policy can cover, there are three different levels of coverage to choose from. There’s actual cash value, replacement cost, and extended replacement cost. 

Actual cash value covers the cost of your home plus the worth of your possessions. This level doesn’t take into consideration the cost of your personal property when you buy them. Items depreciate over time, so this level of insurance covers how much your items are worth.  

Replacement cost covers the value of your home and your items without factoring in the depreciation. This means you will get the same amount you paid for these items. This plan allows you to repair your home up to its original value, and not just how much it’s currently worth.  

Extended replacement cost covers however much it costs to repair your home. Most policies only cover up to a certain limit (the minimum is typically $100,000). Because of inflation and a market that’s constantly changing, the value of your home and belongings changes day to day. This plan covers more than you actually purchase, so it can cover up to 25% higher than the limit.  

Many homeowners opt to get insurance plans that only cover the cost of their home, but most insurers recommend the extended replacement plan because it covers more than you need. It is more expensive than the other plans, but it provides a comfortable cushion for homeowners to rest easy, knowing that their house and their belongings will be fully covered no matter the state of the market and the price of construction.  

If you’re looking to buy a new home or just need a new homeowner’s policy, talk to your local independent insurance agent to discuss the best plan for your situation.  

If you own a company that has a company car or uses cars for work-related purposes, then you will need to purchase a commercial auto insurance policy. These insurance policies will keep your company covered in the event something happens to your company vehicle(s) or an accident occurs that requires medical coverage.  

What is Commercial Auto Insurance? 

Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for cars that your business owns and any cars that employees may drive while on the job. This includes both company-owned vehicles and personal employee vehicles. It can also include rental cars that are used for business purposes.  

Why Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance 

Many states require companies to have a commercial auto insurance plan if they use vehicles for their business. Any vehicles that hold a title under your company will be required to be listed under a commercial auto insurance policy. Depending on if your employees travel for business, there are policies that also include rental cars that are used for business purposes.  

Commercial auto insurance can provide coverage for a personal car that is used for work that a personal auto insurance plan won’t cover. It is also needed in the event that an employee gets injured while driving on the job, as it will help cover their medical bills. It will also cover non-employees that may get hurt while in an accident with a car owned or used for your business. If you don’t have this included in your insurance policy, you may be sued.  

Commercial Auto Insurance versus Personal Auto Insurance 

Commercial auto insurance has many similar aspects to personal auto insurance, but the main difference lies in liability risk. There is an increased liability risk driving for work, so the price for liability minimums with commercial auto insurance is higher. The bright side to this is that it can extend the liability coverage to any car that is already owned by the company or any car purchased by the company in the future. 

Different Kinds of Commercial Auto Insurance 

Basic commercial auto insurance usually provides collision coverage, medical/personal injury coverage, liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These policies will cover most of your company’s needs.  

If you need any additional coverage, you can add extra policies to your commercial auto insurance plan. For example, if you’re using a trailer that your company doesn’t own you will need trailer interchange coverage. There is an option to have rental car reimbursement in the event your company car needs repair and you need a rental. Sometimes you may need “hired vehicles” (U-Hauls) and can receive coverage for those, as well. Depending on your company’s needs, you may also require non-owned vehicle coverage, which will cover employees that use their personal cars for work (pizza delivery driver).  

Every company has different goals and needs. Reach out to your local independent insurance agent to discuss the best commercial auto insurance plan that will suit your company’s needs.  

Chocolate, a Valentine’s Day staple for many people, has a long and rich history. Cocoa farming dates back nearly 2,500 years when the Olmec and Mayan people began cultivating the crop to infuse into a hot beverage called “Xocolatl.” These cocoa-based drinks, referred to as “the drink of the gods,” were believed to improve stamina and overall health. However, this beverage was a blend of cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water – this is a very different product from the candy chocolate we enjoy today. In this article, we will explore the myth: can chocolate actually be good for you? 

Chocolate: The Good 

While not all types of chocolate offer health benefits, there is solid evidence to suggest that there are indeed benefits to eating dark chocolate. The main ingredient of dark chocolate, cocoa, is believed to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, cocoa beans contain flavanols such as epicatechin and catechin, which may help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and help protect your cells against inflammation. Dark chocolate also contains a good mix of minerals, including iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper. Lastly, dark chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is similar to caffeine that provides a boost of energy and mood improvement. 

Chocolate: The Bad 

While there are many health benefits that dark chocolate can offer, not all chocolate is the same. The primary health benefits that can be found in dark chocolate are due to its high cocoa content, meaning that milk chocolate offers significantly fewer health benefits, and white chocolate offers no known health benefits. Commercially produced chocolate contains added fats and sugars to sweeten the flavor, but these additives significantly increase the calories without adding substantial nutritional value. Excessive consumption of chocolate can result in problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Even dark chocolate should be enjoyed in moderation, as it still contains a fair amount of sugar and calories. To enjoy the most benefits from your dark chocolate, limit yourself to a maximum of three ounces per week. 

Possible Alternatives 

If you just can’t get enough chocolate in your life but you also want to limit your caloric intake, there are plenty of alternatives you could look to substitute for chocolate. Carob powder tastes very similar to cocoa while offering a low-fat, high fiber alternative. Additionally, you can add cocoa nibs (broken-up cocoa beans that are not fully processed into powder) into your morning cereal, yogurt, or trail mix to add a chocolatey flavor that is still low in calories. 

The Conclusion 

While visiting the dentist for routine cleanings is always important, this is especially true if you regularly eat chocolate. Chocolate consumption combined with poor oral health can result in cavities, which can lead to much bigger health concerns if left unaddressed. Ultimately, it seems that the rumored health benefits of chocolate are true but specific to dark chocolate. So, as long as you are eating it in moderation, keep enjoying your favorite sweet snack! 

Make sure to keep in touch with your local insurance agent and routinely go to the doctor and dentist to keep your health and wellness in check.