It is impossible to think of Valentine’s Day without including chocolate. The best part – they have now discovered that dark chocolate can improve your vision. Researchers at the University of Reading in England, tested healthy young adult patients before and after the consumption of white and dark chocolates. The patients who enjoyed the dark chocolate showed enhanced visual performance specifically in low-contrast conditions.
Dark chocolate contains a higher amount of cocoa flavonols. In an article published in Men’s Health Magazine, Lead Researcher David Field, Ph.D., explains, “the retina uses a lot of energy, but does not have a very good blood supply. So flavonols improve the peripheral blood flow to the retina, and better blood flow equals more energy. That is one possible explanation.” As if we needed another reason to eat chocolate!
Our favorite chocolate treats would not be utilized for this research project, but we thought we would share a list of our local favorites for you to try. We included our favorite choices in red hot eyewear as well.
Butter Almond Toffee – Four Brothers Chocolates – Wheaton 
Champagne Truffles – Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland – Chicago
Chocolate Covered Potato Chips – Graham’s Chocolates – Geneva
Chocolate Chip Walnut Oat Cookie – Toni’s Patisserie – Hinsdale & Chicago
Mint Meltaways – Fannie May – All over Chicagoland
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – First Slice – Chicago
Mo’s Dark Chocolate Bacon Bar – Vosges Haut Chocolate – Chicago
Grand Marnier Infused Dark Chocolate Pecans – Fresh Thyme – Downers Grove
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows – Mindy’s Hot Chocolate – Chicago
Chocolate Covered Cherries – Margie’s Candies – Chicago
Chocolate Old Fashioned – Do-Rite Doughnuts – Chicago
G by Godiva Dark Chocolate Bar – Godiva – All over Chicagoland
Chocolate Risotto Cake – Labriola Café – Chicago & Oakbrook
EFP Opticians 