We have had years now of exhausting and stressful news and deserve a topic that will ease the stress. I
would say chocolate figuratively and literally is a solution, or at least my occasional solution to the
distractions that persist! I am not making light of the important social, political and health issues that
have recently affected us. I am just choosing this month a more lighthearted topic that might educate
and surprise some readers.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for you! Unless of course you fall into a vat of it. This
actually occurred to two workers who were rescued and hospitalized after they fell into a vat of
chocolate at the Mars M&M factory on June 9 th this year. Sounds like fun, but really it is not. This is one
of those situations where more is not better and has a high probability of killing you.. So yes, if you don’t
overindulge there are health benefits to enjoying one of nature’s great treats.
Chocolate originates from Mexico where the Mayas, Incas, and Aztecs cultivated the cacao tree. Later,
cocoa mixed with vanilla and sugar, was introduced to Europe by early Spanish explorers to great
acclaim. Researchers have reported that flavanols (the antioxidant) in cocoa and chocolate have the
following benefits on vascular health:
- Help limit buildup of plaque in arteries by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Help raise HDL (good) cholesterol
- Help blood platelets to be less “sticky” which promotes healthy blood flow
- Reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
- May also have beneficial effects on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, increasing blood flow in the
brain, and keeping skin healthy.
1.4 ounces of dark chocolate has as much antioxidants as a cup of blueberries. Also, chocolate’s
cannabinoid-like fatty acids induce feelings of bliss, wellbeing, and euphoria. How does that sound?
I am sorry to say to those who are fans of white chocolate, that technically, white chocolate is not
chocolate because it doesn’t contain chocolate solids. And therefore, does not have the same health
benefits. White chocolate is made with a blend of sugar, cocoa butter, milk products, vanilla, and a fatty
substance called lecithin.
Can you believe there is actually a World Chocolate Day each year, usually in July? Treat yourself and a
loved one to a few pieces of chocolate, while remembering moderation is key!