Indulge in Healthy Chocolate

Healthy paired with chocolate may seem like an oxymoron, but recent scientific studies
have deemed cocoa to be a powerful antioxidant for our bodies. Cocoa is scientifically
classified as a fruit and some reports say that it may be one of the healthiest fruits we can
consume. Cardiovascular health has been directly linked with cocoa, which reduces the
possibility of strokes, heart attacks and blood clots.

A scientific study at Cornell University reports that cocoa contains more antioxidants
than red wine or green tea. Other health benefits of cocoa are anti-aging and anti-
inflammatory ingredients. One of these ingredients – magnesium – is usually missing in
the diet of those with heart problems.

And, listen up, ladies – cocoa also contains a high amount of sulfur, the so-
called “beauty” mineral that promotes beautiful skin, nails and hair. That’s good to know,
but don’t go out and binge on chocolate bars. The healthy chocolate type you should be
eating is dark chocolate, and you need to watch the calories you’re consuming.

The reason that milk chocolate doesn’t have the same benefits is that the milk content
may counteract the benefits of the antioxidants from chocolate – and don’t drink milk
with dark chocolate.

Even chocolate makers are getting on the healthy chocolate bandwagon. Many companies
are launching dark chocolate products as the news about its benefits is becoming well
known. Hershey recently introduced “Hershey’s Extra Dark,” which claims to contain
60% cocoa and a high content of flavanol, a chemical that may have the power to reduce
heart disease and risk of cancer.

Cocoa has been used for ailments since ancient times. The pre-Columbian era used words
for cocoa that meant “blood or heart.” They knew that cocoa was good for them in many
ways – to provide magnesium, act as an antioxidant and even increase libido. In other
cultures chocolate symbolized pleasure and sensuality. That’s why chocolate became a
popular gift to a loved one on Valentine’s Day and other holidays.

Among dark chocolates other beneficial ingredients are an amino acid
called “Tryptophan” which produces serotonin, the brain’s way of making us feel
optimistic rather than depressed. Phenylethylamine (PEA) is also found in cocoa and
helps us to concentrate.

The jury is still out on the long-term medical benefits of healthy chocolate. One dietary
expert says that although “healthy” chocolate contains many beneficial ingredients, it can
still put on pounds if you’re not careful about proportions.