The Scoop on Antioxidants and Chocolate

Most people were overjoyed to hear the news that chocolate is actually good for you, thanks to the antioxidants it contains. It must be dark chocolate though, because those magical antioxidants are destroyed with further refining of the chocolate into the lighter milk form. White chocolate has no antioxidant properties at all. Flavenoids are found in cocoa beans and they are the key to chocolate’s health benefits. Blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, spinach, red wine, and green tea also contain high levels of antioxidants.

Now just what is the deal with antioxidants? It is thought that they are important in fighting cancer. Pollution, cigarette smoke, and ultraviolet rays from the sun all damage our healthy cells and can cause mutations in genetic material (DNA), which leads to cancer. They do this by producing unstable molecules called oxygen free radicals. Antioxidants stabilize and mop up these free radicals. Other examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A.

There has been some research into the health benefits of chocolate besides the antioxidant properties and fighting cancer. Studies have shown a lower incidence of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and improved psychological well-being associated with flavenoid-rich food, like dark chocolate. Does this mean that we should all be eating one chocolate bar a day? Unfortunately, no.

The concern with chocolate is that it is also very high in calories.

Choosing a chocolate that lists cocoa mass or solids as its primary ingredient and not sugar is best. Some of the higher quality chocolate bars list the percentage of cocoa that they contain, and choosing a bar that is at least 70% is a good idea. These “healthy” bars of chocolate do not taste as good as the sweeter, more common forms of it.

Sorry to say that the studies that have shown health benefits such as lowered blood pressure and a lower incidence of heart disease with dark chocolate consumption showed only a small amount is needed (less than 6 grams). In short, a bite of dark chocolate a day is a not a bad idea, but don’t let it replace your multivitamin!