The website www.goodfoodandfitness.com provides information on some of the benefits of eating dark chocolate. The author states that studies indicate that a small amount of dark chocolate eaten daily can aid in lowering cholesterol. The website also notes that the most health benefits from chocolate are achieved from chocolate that contain at least 65% cocoa. Research studies by Mark Stibich Ph.D. state "that a small piece of dark chocolate is good for your heart and cardiovascular system by reducing high blood pressure and reducing the LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol)". Other health benefits of dark chocolate noted are: it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure, it contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant and it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances that are stimulants. Milk chocolate or white chocolate cannot make any health claims. The Cleveland Clinic reports that "the antioxidant benefits from dark chocolate areaused believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are formed by normal body processes such as breathing or environmental contaminants such as cigarette smoke". This Cleveland Clinic study reminds us that there is currently no established serving size of chocolate that defines the health benefits. Their advice is this: "Be on the lookout for new and exciting research about health benefits of chocolates". However, just because chocolate is so good to taste and has some health benefits, we must also realize that chocolate bars and candies are most often high in fat, sugar and calories. Chocolate is a high-calorie, high-fat food. Most studies that have been done used no more than about 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of dark chocolate daily to get health benefits. Moderation is the key and having a small piece of dark chocolate once in a while is not going to harm your health.
|
  |
