Could Chocolate be Good for You?

Chocolate, the New Health Food

Oct 1, 2009 Tammie Doerler

The latest research on chocolate is showing that it can actually add to your health. This is exciting news that everyone can enjoy!

It seems that new research is finally pointing in a direction that almost everyone will love! Chocolate consumption dates back thousands of years. The Mayans revered chocolate, considering it a sign of life and fertility...a gift from the gods! Now we can enjoy it too.....without the guilt!

What Makes Chocolate Healthy?

Antioxidants and flavanols are the major contributors to chocolate’s healthy new look, according to experts.

Chocolate contains two types of antioxidants, epicatechin and catechin. These are the basis for all of the excitement. Cocoa, chocolate or cacao, often used interchangeably have been found to increase levels of these potent antioxidants in the blood two hours after consumption. The levels of antioxidant provided compare easily to that of blueberries or red wine.

Antioxidants reduce dangerous free radicals in the blood. Too many free radicals can lead to heart disease and cancer, or one of many other health concerns. In addition to an unprecedented reduction in free radicals, regular chocolate consumption has been shown to help reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow, increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol.

Healthy Chocolate Consumption

  • Get closest to the source. Cacao, the source of chocolate, is also the source of the health benefits. The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants it contains. Cacao can be purchased as a powder, in nibs for smoothies and even as a whole bean. Many people even make their own chocolate treats from raw cacao beans or powder.
  • Avoid milk and refined sugar in chocolate. Milk decreases the effectiveness of the antioxidants in chocolates. Refined sugar in dark chocolate will add one benefit while possibly introducing another issue. Chocolate can be made with many kinds of sweeteners including pure cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, agave or even honey.
  • Does this newfound information mean that people should stock up on chocolate and eat it for every meal? No, actually moderate consumption is best. Remember, our bodies need only a certain amount of calories per day. Avoiding milk and refined sugar may help to lower the calorie content of your chocolate; however, it is best to limit consumption to a reasonable part of your daily caloric intake.
  • Buy your chocolate at your local health food store and skip the junk food aisle on the way out of the supermarket. Better yet, make your own using ingredients from your local health food store. Find the health food store nearest you and enjoy some wonderful chocolate today!

References

  1. Heart. 2006 January; 92(1): 119–120. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2005.063362.
  2. Dark Chocolate Boosts Antioxidant Levels; New Scientist; http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4101-dark-chocolate-boosts-antioxidant-levels.html

The copyright of the article Could Chocolate be Good for You? in Health Field is owned by Tammie Doerler. Permission to republish Could Chocolate be Good for You? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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