The Health Benefits of Chocolate

By Leslie Shatto

Easter is just around the corner and there is no escaping Chocolate temptation. Chocolate is everywhere! Numerous medical studies have proven that moderate amounts of chocolate may actually be good for you and a little understanding could eliminate the guilt typically associated with satisfying this passionate craving.

It is true that too much of a good thing “could” be bad for you, but if what you crave is dark and rich did you know chocolate could be “good” for you too? Food chemists have developed methods to understand the chemical composition of chocolate and the good news is that modest amounts of dark chocolate could contribute to a healthy heart.

In reality, the probability of training children to develop a taste for dark chocolate because of the health benefit is slim to nonexistent, but for adults the news can be music to our ears. For years we have been lead to believe that all those chocolate myths were validation enough to steer clear. We indulge ourselves limited only by our level of guilt or lack of resistance.
Due to recent numerous studies conducted and published in American and European medical journals, we should all enjoy a modest indulgence from time to time… all in the name of health! Perhaps it is true that “a little bit of what you fancy could do you good” !

Chocolate comes from the processing of cocoa beans and contains a diverse array of antioxidants, flavonoids and minerals in quantities comparable to sources like green and black teas, red wine, blueberries and soy products that researchers have found to help prevent cholesterol from sticking to artery walls, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Generally, the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants and flavonoids it contains.

Europeans living in the 17th century praised chocolate for its healing powers of “comforting the liver, aiding in digestion and making one generally happy and strong.” Chocolate has also been used through the years for strengthening the heart and kidneys, treating anemia, tuberculosis, fever and gout. Many South American tribes considered chocolate “a food of the gods” and for many people, it remains just that.

If the heart healthy encouragement isn’t enough to convince you that a little chocolate is good, consider dispelling another myth: The caffeine level in chocolate justifies avoiding it altogether. Wrong again. According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a serving of chocolate contains about as much caffeine as one cup of decaffeinated coffee. This too is good news. No more worries about a night “nibble” preventing a good night’s rest. The healthy rule of thumb is keep it dark. Milk and white chocolate varieties don’t generally contain the same concentration of cocoa powder in their recipes, thus the healthy heart benefit won’t be the driving force for the indulgence. Whatever the variety, enjoy with moderation knowing that good chocolate is good for you too !

For further reading browse www.chocolateinfo.com & www.webmd.com

Leslie Shatto
The Shops on Granberry
On the corner of D and Granberry, Humble, Texas

 

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