| There are significant health benefits to dark | | | | The fat naturally found in chocolate helps provide a |
| chocolate. According to research studies, chocolate | | | | feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction, releasing |
| provides clues to fighting disease. Your health and | | | | mood-enhancing endorphins. Chocolate also may |
| well-being can be enhanced while you savor and | | | | help relieve symptoms of anxiety. It is thought to |
| enjoy chocolate. Below, you’ll see how | | | | have an opiate effect that may help improve |
| research involving chocolate consumption can help | | | | mood. A study conducted on patients who were |
| conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease and | | | | depressed showed that the dark chocolate provided |
| high blood pressure. | | | | relief from their symptoms. |
| Chocolate and Cancer | | | | |
| The same antioxidants found in wine and green tea | | | | Chocolate and Circulation |
| are found in raw cacao and dark chocolate. | | | | Since the chemicals in dark chocolate help prevent the |
| Antioxidants protect cells from toxins, slow the growth | | | | formation blood platelets, the chance of blood clots is |
| of cancer cells, and help reduce cancer risks and heart | | | | minimized. In addition, blood pressure may be lowered |
| disease. The greater the amount of cacao | | | | with a regular consumption of dark chocolate each |
| contained in chocolate, the more antioxidants it has. | | | | day. This is a result of the flavonoids present in |
| (Note: White chocolate does not contain antioxidants, | | | | cacao that help with circulation. Keep in mind that |
| so look for dark chocolate instead). | | | | flavonoids are lower in milk chocolate than dark |
| Chocolate and Cholesterol | | | | chocolate. |
| While many foods high in saturated fats are known to | | | | How Much Chocolate Can You Have? |
| raise cholesterol levels, studies have shown that | | | | Include 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day to your |
| chocolate consumption does not. This is due to the | | | | diet. Select your chocolate carefully, ensuring that |
| type of saturated fat chocolate contains. Less | | | | there are no refined sugars or hydrogenated oils, |
| harmful saturated fat in one’s diet means plaque | | | | which have undesirable health effects. Also, look |
| that can gather in the arteries. In fact, studies have | | | | for a high percentage of cacao (70% or above). |
| shown that dark chocolate may in fact boost good | | | | Remember that chocolate does have calories, so |
| cholesterol. | | | | make necessary modifications to your calorie intake. |
| Chocolate and Depression | | | | |
