Can Chocolate be Healthy?

Feeling bad about eating all that chocolate from Valentine’s Day? No need to worry! New research is showing that consuming chocolate can have health benefits. In recent years, Chocolate has gotten a lot of media coverage, due to the belief that it may help protect your cardiovascular system. The reasoning being that the cocoa bean is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These flavonoids, which act as antioxidants help to protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. However, with that being said, it is important to understand that not all forms of chocolate contain a high level of flavanols. So before you grab your next piece of chocolate candy; keep this in mind. Most commercial chocolates are highly processed and since cocoa has a very naturally strong, pungent taste, which comes from the flavanols, cocoa goes through several steps to reduce this taste. So it is important to remember that the more your favorite chocolate has been processed, the more flavanols it has lost. It was once believed that dark chocolate contained the highest levels flavanols. However, recent research indicates that depending on how the dark chocolate was processed, that this may not be true. But there is good news; most major chocolate manufacturers are looking for ways to keep the flavanols in their processed chocolates. So for now if you’re looking for a healthier choice, your best option is likely dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants, nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries.

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