Nobody Can Keep Me from Chocolate

03/07/2013 20:31

 

My weakness is chocolate - we all have something, and we should allow ourselves a little treat - the important thing to remember is the portion size and choices that are available to use.

Dr. Andrew Weil (a world famous physician from Harvard School of Medicine) says this about chocolate choices: (1) Dark chocolate has the antioxidants - phenols and flavonoids - found in dark chocolate may offer protection against heart disease. In addition, cocoa butter - a saturated fat - may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and even improve our mood by boosting endorphin and serotonin. (2) Milk chocolate, however, is not as heart-healthy as dark chocolate: it contains more fat and sugar and less cocoa and antioxidants. (3) White chocolate, which contains no cocoa solids, is generally no more than a mix of fat, milk and sugar with a minimal amount of cocoa butter added.

By eating an ounce of dark chocolate with at least 70% pure cocoa a few times a week, you don’t have to feel guilty. I know I will be enjoying mine.