If you happen to be a “chocolate addict,” there is good news for you: Not only is some chocolate not as unhealthy as previously thought, many doctors now encourage the public to consume it. One particular type of chocolate can be beneficial for the gums, eyes, heart, arteries, and even the entire immune system. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and balance both blood pressure and blood sugar. However, before you run out of bulk to buy chocolate bars, know that not just any type of chocolate will provide such benefits.
The consumption of dark chocolate, made from natural cocoa beans, has been recommended, even up to three times a day. This is because the cocoa bean is the food with the highest levels of antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress related to aging. Other foods, such as red wine, tea, and some select fruits and vegetables also offer similar health benefits, but cocoa still tops them all when it comes to high antioxidants. These antioxidant compounds are called flavonoids, which presumably give dark chocolate its health benefits.
Ironically, flavonoids taste very bitter, which is why many companies that make candy bars remove most of the flavonoids to make the chocolate taste better. Obviously, this takes away most of the health benefits from chocolate. Also, there is no way to know which chocolate bar is healthier, as companies do not indicate how many flavonoids are left in the final product. This is why buying dark chocolate bars simply to get the health effects may not work.
Also keep in mind that milk chocolate does not offer the same health benefits. The darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it contains flavonoids, which means that milk chocolate offers fewer health benefits than dark chocolate. Clearly, this indicates that white chocolate offers even less; in fact, it does not contain flavonoids.
The best way to take advantage of the health benefits of dark chocolate is to buy the darkest chocolate available with the fewest added ingredients, perhaps from a health food store. Another option is to buy one of the recent products that infuses dark chocolate with the acai berry, an antioxidant that helps reduce heart and vascular disease. Dark chocolate and açaí go well together because they both have a high amount of antioxidants, and açaí helps flavanol-filled dark chocolate taste good.
But even if you find such a product, keep in mind that it is not a wonder drug. Despite its health benefits, dark chocolate still contains calories and some fat, and too much of either is unhealthy. Even too many dark chocolate and acai products can be harmful. That’s why doctors recommend some dark chocolate, red wine, or other treats that have some health benefits every day, but advise patients to limit their intake, as too much of anything can be harmful.