Article #10:  Chocolate . . Is it Good For You?

It's been eaten and enjoyed for centuries. So what are the facts?

1. Doesn't it cause acne?
Actually, there is no evidence to support this.

2. Doesn't it carry too much caffeine?
Actually, one ounce of dark chocolate contains 28mg of caffeine. By comparison, one cup of regular coffee contains 95-140mg of caffeine.

3. Doesn't chocolate cause cavities?
Though sugar certainly raises some concerns, the tannin in chocolate actually has benefits in fighting cavities.

Chocolate is good for the heart!

Evidence suggests that a small piece of chocolate is noted to decrease blood pressure, improve the good cholesterol-HDL and increase antioxidants. Indeed the cocoa in chocolate increases antioxidant levels two times greater than wine and three times greater than green tea. These benefits improve blood vessel tone and function. Cocoa has plant flavinoids, which allow for these beneficial effects.

Caution: Less is more. The health benefits of small pieces of chocolate out-weigh the additional calories.


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