RSS
Home
National Chocolate Day
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Today, October 28, is National Chocolate Day. It’s the perfect day to indulge in what is for many their favorite food. Our love affair with chocolate isn’t a modern day thing. It’s something that goes back centuries.
Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Mayans and Aztecs began using spicy chocolate drinks for ceremonies including betrothal and marriage. Chocolate was believed to be the food of the gods. It was valued for centuries for its healing and nutritional powers, including strengthening the heart. Only the wealthy and privileged were fortunate enough to taste this delicacy. Even Florence Nightingale considered chocolate to be a basic ingredient of healthcare.
In current society, chocolate has become a symbol of love and affection. Millions of pounds of chocolate are sold each year for Valentine’s Day and other holidays. But chocolate is no longer for the elite, wealthy or just for special occasions. Americans consume about 12 pounds of chocolate per person each year. Chocolate can still be valued for its health benefits today.
Research has found that some of the centuries old beliefs are actually true. However, all chocolate is not created equal. Dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect our bodies against free radicals (which are blamed in part for plaque buildup in the blood vessels). Phenols are a flavonoid that is found in red wine. Dark chocolate contains even higher levels of phenols than red wine. We know phenols help protect against and slow the progression of heart disease by preventing fat like substances from forming plaque buildup in the arteries. A number of research studies have shown that regular consumption of dark chocolate has heart-healthy benefits of modestly lowering blood pressure and reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. Studies using 100g (3.5oz) dark chocolate daily, showed significant decreases in blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension.
Does it have to be dark? White chocolate (not truly chocolate), milk chocolate and cocoa mixes have not been shown to have the benefits of dark chocolate. European brands of dark chocolate are even richer in phenols than brands manufactured in the United States. Milk, often consumed along side chocolate, may actually interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from the chocolate. Another thing to consider is calories. There are 480 calories in 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate. For some this could account for one-third of your calories needs. If you gain weight eating the chocolate, you are probably canceling out the benefits. Smaller amounts may help reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. More research is needed to learn just how much dark chocolate ultimately is needed to see health benefits.
The bottom line is its ok to indulge in some chocolate today. But for the health benefits, make it dark and keep your portions under control!
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
