Halloween
is just a few weeks away and already the supermarket shelves are lined with
candy and chocolate. I don’t think anyone really gives away healthy treats
anymore but just plenty of candy.
So
what about eating chocolate? Is it healthy?
It
has been reported that a few bites of chocolate a day keep you healthy. Is it
possible to eat chocolate without gaining weight? What are the health
benefits of chocolate?
Hundreds
of studies have shown that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that
promote heart health and may prevent many cardiovascular-related conditions.
Chocolate comes from a plant- the bean of a cacao tree- and like certain teas,
wine and many fruits and vegetables, it boasts a high concentration of
antioxidant compounds called “flavonoids”, which can help prevent heart disease
and protect against cancer. Chocolate has gotten a bad reputation throughout
the years, but this delicious treat is actually really good for you in
moderation. Chocolate is a natural antioxident that helps repair cellular
damage which helps our immune system function properly. Chocolate also helps
reduce the risk of high blood pressure, and keeps the platelets from clumping
together. Eating small amounts of dark chocolate can be good for your health.
But in order to get the maximum health benefit it’s best to consume minimally
processed chocolate in pure, dark form without additives (like corn syrup,
hydrogenated oil and artificial colors or flavors). Look for a cacao (or cocoa)
content of 70 percent, and be sure to watch the portion size. Although brands
vary, you can assume that a one- to one-and-a-half-ounce serving of plain dark
chocolate contains about 200 calories.
I
just want to make sure that you realize that I am not talking about eating a
Snickers bar or a Hershey Almond bar. I am talking about fine dark chocolate. The
darker the chocolate the better. And only a bite or two, not the whole bar (or
you will be busting out of your clothes!). And by the way, it should be dark chocolate
that doesn't have added ingredients like carmel or marshmellows!
The
wonderful thing about dark chocolate is that you don't even have to eat a ton
of it to reap the benefits- just an ounce with a regular healthy diet is
sufficient to reap the heart healthy benefits.
