Dark Chocolate has Health Benefits?

It is a chocolate lovers dream come true to hear that chocolate can be good for you. Before you go binge on the four Hersey bars you have stashed away for a rainy day there are a few things you should know. Not all chocolates are created equal.

Dark chocolate is the healthiest of the chocolates you can choose. This has the highest levels of antioxidants in it. Antioxidents main roll in our bodies is to stop free radicals from doing more damage to our cells.  The damage will cause aging and disease. To get an even higher antioxidant punch, dip cherries and strawberries into dark chocolate. In moderation this can be a fairly healthy snack. There is some speculation as to whether dark chocolate may have some anti-cancer activities because of the antioxidants, but more research needs to be done to verify this.

Dark chocolate also contains a plant steroid called a phenol.  Phenols can assist in lowering blood pressure. Phenols are also found in other heart healthy foods such as olive oil. Phenols also appear to help with stopping clotting in the blood.  This can help to keep blood vessels clear. Phenols are also anti-inflammatory in nature, which is even another reason to eat dark chocolate. This makes it a heart healthy snack in moderation.

Nutritionally dark chocolate is low on the glycemic index, which is great news for diabetics that want a treat. You will find vitamin C and E in dark chocolate along with potassium, copper, iron, and magnesium. These are all important vitamins and trace minerals that our bodies require to function properly.

I have said it a number of times, but it is important to understand that a little chocolate can go a long way. This is a high calorie food because it is high in fat. You don’t need to feel guilty if you enjoy a small dark chocolate truffle or two.