Is chocolate really good for you?

supermom

Mon, May 09 2005, 7:17 am

Is chocolate good for you? Flavanoids in cocoa may protect the heart, but don't overdo it

Recent research shows that chocolate can provide natural health-promoting substances called flavonoids. 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. These two compounds come from the flavonoid “family” that includes resveratrol, found in grape juice, and EGCG, found in green tea. When people consume these substances in chocolate and cocoa, the antioxidant status of their blood increases.

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.

In addition, the flavanols and procyanidins in chocolate improve the function and flow of blood vessels and help control inflammation.

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.

Yet the flavonoid content of cocoa and chocolate is highly variable. The more cocoa in a chocolate product, the higher the antioxidant flavonoid content is.

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. White chocolate has no cocoa content.

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. Unfortunately, this process drastically reduces flavonoid content.

Unless you find a chocolate mix made with untreated cocoa, start with plain cocoa (not Dutch) and add your own sweetener and milk to make a flavonoid-rich cup.

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.

Studies show that neither dark or milk chocolate is a cholesterol concern in moderate amounts. But keep in mind that other ingredients added to some chocolate candies can change their nutrition impact.

But one of the reasons you shouldn’t rely on chocolate for antioxidants, in the place of vegetables and fruits, is the calorie load. A small piece of dark chocolate has only 50 calories, but most candy bars contain at least 200.

In comparison, a serving of vegetables and fruits contains a generous amount of health-promoting phytochemicals and only 25 to 80 calories. An antioxidant-rich serving of green tea has no calories at all.

Besides, vegetables and fruits have more than flavonoids. They provide vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and phytochemicals that protect our health in other ways. Some, for example, block the activation of carcinogens, while others interfere with the life cycle of cancer cells and promote their destruction.

Recent research on the flavonoids in chocolate implies that we can enjoy limited amounts of this sweet treat without guilt. But this news shouldn’t discourage us from eating a mostly plant-based diet loaded with vegetables and fruits.

Tefila

Mon, May 09 2005, 1:50 pm

Thanks for the reaffirmation 8) Very Happy

Rivka

Mon, May 09 2005, 2:25 pm

Yes chocolate is good, but you have to eat the real chocolate not milky chocolate which has a low percentage of actual chocolate...you want something like 70% chocolate...hmm yum, very bitter but so yummy.

supermom

Mon, May 09 2005, 2:40 pm

freilich when I saw this I had to put it up so you wouldn't feel bad about your addiction. enjoy your chocolate for the rest of your life. Very Happy

sarahnurit

Mon, Jul 18 2005, 7:02 pm

I think that everything is good in measure...and I personally LOVE dark chocolate...Somebody told me that also the Rebbe liked chocolate, but I am not sure of this one... embarrassed

Tefila

Mon, Jul 18 2005, 7:04 pm

The Rebbe liked the white milchig one...... there u go it's not just me Wink

sarahnurit

Mon, Jul 18 2005, 7:10 pm

Nice to confirm that... Wink

Here chocolate is not so easy to find (kosher one), so it's a party every time we get some...

de_goldy

Mon, Jul 18 2005, 8:25 pm

It gets me so mad when ppl say that about the Rebbe.
Just THINK for a second what you're saying, before you say it.
What utter nonsense.

IndyMom

Mon, Jul 18 2005, 10:46 pm

I love to keep a stash of dark chocolate chips for when I have a real chocolate craving. It is nice to hear that it is so good for me!

imaamy

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 1:10 am

sarahnurit, adorable baby boy! Mazel tov.

sarahd

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 3:49 am

IndyMom wrote:

I love to keep a stash of dark chocolate chips for when I have a real chocolate craving. It is nice to hear that it is so good for me!

Are they real chocolate or just chocolate-flavored chips? Important difference re the health benefits!

IndyMom

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 9:52 am

I don't know - they are pareve chocolate chips. How can you tell the difference?

Tefila

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 1:33 pm

De goldy Is it nonsense or u just hate chocolate and can't admit to the fact that someone on a higher realm likes it too Tongue Out

. I do believe it's public knowledge unless my mashpia is a liar Scratching Head

1stimer

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 2:01 pm

I think what de_goldy is saying is that even if the rebbe liked chocolate, so what? What does that show? That it is a mizva to like chocolate?? That holy people like chocolate??

sarahnurit

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 3:20 pm

I am sorry if I hurted somebody else's feelings, didn't mean to, but honestly when I look at the picture of the Rebbe that we have in the kitchen I feel like I am looking at the picture of a relative of mine, a part of the "family", with all the distinctions of course, so I am happy to share also the little things I know about him...

sarahd

Tue, Jul 19 2005, 3:22 pm

IndyMom wrote:

I don't know - they are pareve chocolate chips. How can you tell the difference?

If it's chocolate flavored, the package will say so. If it's not, the package will also say so ("REAL"!!!! chocolate chips)

Rivka

Mon, Jul 25 2005, 3:45 pm

Hmmm...chocolate...<drool>

daisylover

Tue, Jul 26 2005, 4:18 pm

# 1 - I am really glad to know that chocolate is good for me.... at least one of my favorite snacks are "healthy"!!!

does this also include chocolate ice cream!??? please!

# 2 - re; the rebbe liking white chocolate, this is possible and nothing wrong with saying it. as b'ruchniyus as the rebbe was, He still had some gashmiyus.

I always strive to do things that the rebbe did, I am glad that I love white chocolate, just like the rebbe!!! a true chossid I am!!!

supermom

Wed, Jul 27 2005, 6:44 am

[quote="Chasidiste]I always strive to do things that the rebbe did, I am glad that I love white chocolate, just like the rebbe!!! a true chossid I am!!![/quote]

LOL

sarahnurit

Thu, Sep 01 2005, 8:47 pm