Chocolate Is Actually GOOD for You

Chocolate is actually good for you, if used in moderation, says new research.
New research into flavonoids, which are found in chocolate, has shown that they can be very beneficial for your heart and can reduce your risk of cancer. In fact, the flavonoids in chocolate are actually more effective antioxidants than those in tea, which is also considered a very good source of these necessary compounds. However, scientists point out that chocolate is still not a replacement for fruits and vegetables, and that chocolate should contain a high percentage of cocoa and not too much milk and fat to be effective. If you find this article interesting, be sure to also read 'Cocoa is loaded with anti-cancer phytochemicals and compounds, says research.'See more articles like this one at www.Newstarget.com

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Original news summary: (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7339594/)
Since flavonoids seem to help prevent heart disease and cancer, the idea of eating chocolate sounds like a tempting and delicious way to better your health.
The complete message is, however, that although chocolate might be preferable to other treats, it is no substitute for vegetables and fruits, which also contain flavonoids.
The flavonoids in chocolate that laboratory studies demonstrate to have powerful antioxidant effects are called flavanols and procyanidins.
This rise in antioxidant levels helps protect us from damage to the heart and blood vessels, while it also guards our DNA from damage that can lead to cancer.
The antioxidants in chocolate have generated a lot of interest because studies show that these compounds are more powerful antioxidants than EGCG in tea, which is a strong antioxidant.
One study that compared the total antioxidant activity in single servings of cocoa, green tea, black tea and red wine scored cocoa markedly higher than the rest.
Because dark chocolate is more concentrated in cocoa content, it is higher in flavonoids than milk chocolate.
For this reason, dark chocolate is used in research studies.
Beware calorie load A cup of hot or cold cocoa may sound like a health drink loaded with antioxidants, but almost all cocoa drink mixes contain cocoa treated with alkali (also called Dutch cocoa) to produce a darker, richer taste.
Surprisingly, the fat content of chocolate is not a reason to avoid it.
Technically, chocolate contains saturated fat, but the particular type of saturated fat -- stearic acid -- is unique because it does not raise blood cholesterol.
In comparison, a serving of vegetables and fruits contains a generous amount of health-promoting phytochemicals and only 25 to 80 calories.
Recent research on the flavonoids in chocolate implies that we can enjoy limited amounts of this sweet treat without guilt.

So go ahead and have that wonderful Spiced Hot Chocolate that was in my last blog. And, next time you are entertaining, try it for a meal finale with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Your guests will love it.

Good Health to you-