Celebrating National Chocolate Week

This week is ‘National Chocolate Week’, and not only is chocolate much-loved by many of our staff, residents and families…it has an important role to play in the nutrition and wellbeing of our residents. Orchard Care Homes’ Food & Beverage Manager Dianne Lilley says, “Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, has many benefits, from mood boosting to calorie enhancing. There are numerous studies that have pointed to the positive consumption of chocolate and it’s an ingredient that we use through various mealtimes within our homes. “It might be a warm and soothing cup of hot chocolate at bedtime, or a tasty, rich chocolate cake for afternoon tea. Some cooks also use chocolate in their savoury dishes to add flavour. Whatever the occasion, we will be celebrating chocolate this week!” Some key facts about chocolate: - Chocolate contains antioxidants that help maintain good overall health – it is linked to the prevention of heart disease, increasing good cholesterol, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and lowering the risk of skin cancer - Chocolate contains the chemical phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical that causes the feeling of falling in love - Just the smell of chocolate can trigger feelings of relaxation due to the increase in theta brain waves To keep up to date with news from the home, find us on facebook.com/orchardcarehome/