Saturday, July 12, 2008

Chocolate: a Health Food?

From Denise Austin:
You may have heard of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition where researchers found that chocolate may actually be good for you! While they didn't go so far as to recommend chocolate as a health food, moderate amounts of chocolate as part of an overall balanced diet may help protect your heart, they say. Why? Chocolate — especially the dark kind — contains flavonoids, the same heart-friendly substances also found in tea and red wine. It also contains sterols, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, potassium, and other heart-healthy substances.

Food companies have jumped on the marketing bandwagon, producing chocolate "health food" bars. But watch out, experts say! At 135 to 150 calories per ounce, chocolate — even the fat-free variety — adds up quickly! Eating too many "empty" chocolate calories in place of healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein could offset any potential health gains. (All things in moderation!)

5 comments:

Diana said...

Dark chocolate (at least) also has antioxident properties. It's just like nuts...good for you in small doses.

Anonymous said...

AWWW Chocolate. YUM. You made me smile. I think I am thrilled with this idea. Just not telling my kids that. HAHA

Slenderella said...

Agreed, everything in moderation. But still, it's nice to know that a little decadence is ok and even good for us.

Manuela said...

I adore dark chocolate and have it as a treat every now and then. As with anything, even the things that are good for us, moderation is the key.

Lainie said...

God bless chocolate. :)