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OK chocolate lovers, put down that Snickers and listen up!
Is chocolate a health food? Is it good for cardiovascular health? I want it to be!
Apparently the jury is still out and we need more research.
Dr. Oscar Franco from the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge reviewed seven studies and concluded that none of them was definitive in terms of heart health and chocolate. However, and here is the hope, he did note what researchers reported– people who ate lots of chocolate were about one-third less likely to have hearts attacks, strokes and diabetes. Unfortunately, self-report is not the best research. You have to do studies with randomize controls and monitor health.
Bottom line, it is too early to dive into the Godiva and think you are being healthy. Like all things, moderation is always the best approach. But we can always hope that next to the broccoli, carrots and beets, there will one day be a heart healthy choice dripping in chocolate and inviting our taste buds to a real treat.
In the meantime, just enjoy!! Of course, in moderation!
posted September 8, 2011 at 2:22 pm
I grew up never liking candy but really enjoy a piece of chocolate from time to time. My favourite is a bar with with hazelnuts – I love that taste! Checked on the health properties of hazelnuts and they pack it in : oleic acid to raise the good and lower the bad cholesterol, phytochemicals, protein and fiber, vitamins E and B, potassium, calcium and magnesium. A heart healthy duo.
Maybe we’d crave the vegetables you mentioned more if we grew them in our gardens or bought them at farmers’ markets – grown organically or more naturally they taste so much better. An example is home grown small and sweet tasting radishes vs. the huge bitter tasting ones on offer at the local supermarket. So much of the produce offered there has all the taste sucked out of it. No wonder we start craving the chocolate!
Thanks for the blog – it encouraged me to make a detour out of my trip yesterday to go by the organic farmer’s vegetable stand. Our dinner will be all the tastier for it!
posted September 3, 2011 at 12:39 pm
There is a dark chocolate Dr. Linda, that is not a “candy” and is very high in antioxidants. In fact, the amount of antioxidants (ORAC) as well as the amount of flavonoids have been certified by an independent testing lab, Brunswick Labs. Just 3 pieces give you the equivalent of 10-12 servings of fruits and vegetables for as little as 100 calories. It is vegan, diabetic friendly, contains no waxes, fillers, caffeine, bad fats, nor processed sugars. You can find information on this product at cocoa101.com.