How to Get the Health Benefits Out of Chocolate

According to research chocolate is no longer just a guilty pleasure. Cocoa has been found to contain health promoting polyphenol antioxidants called flavanols, similar to the ones found in, berries and red wine. It has also been found to be rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and copper. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, that can cause damage to your cells. Studies show they can relax blood vessels helping the cardio vascular system and believed to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

It is still not known the exact amount someone should eat for the most health benefit, but it is believed that chocolate can be a healthy addition to a daily diet. So, how do you get the most from these health benefits?

To get the true health benefits of chocolate stay away from milk chocolate. Stick to the truer dark chocolates, with a minimum of 75% cacao. Milk chocolate tends to be more milk, than chocolate. Dark chocolate may take some getting use to for the true exclusive milk chocolate fan. If so, try gradually adjusting your taste buds. Start with 60% cacao and gradually work your way up, to 65%, 75%, then maybe higher. Try working up to 85%.

Make sure you choose pure chocolate, meaning not choosing dark chocolate filled with caramel or nougat. Sure you can indulge every once in awhile, but ingredients such as caramel and nougat are not a good daily option to get the health benefits of chocolate. A more healthy treat option could be a good quality dark chocolate covering almonds. Almonds are equally as healthy, but should be eaten in moderation, due to their fat content.

Try adding cocoa to your diet, instead of chocolate. Cocoa powder has the highest antioxidant properties and can be found in the baking section of most grocery stores. Chocolate is a combination of fat, sugar and cocoa. Cocoa is the actual healing ingredient of chocolate. Try making your own hot chocolate. With almost twice as much antioxidants as red wine, it can be a healthy indulgence. Make it the original way, by adding, at least, 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder to a cup of hot water and a tiny bit of stevia, for sweetness. If you feel you still need the creaminess of chocolate milk, you can substitute part or all of the water with your choice of non-dairy milk (soy, almond or rice milk are good options.) It is best to stay away from dairy milk in your chocolate. Research has shown that consuming milk with chocolate can cancel out its antioxidant health benefits. When choosing your cocoa powder try staying away from Dutch processed cocoa, a cocoa alkalized to lower the Ph. The process lowers the beneficial flavanols.

Cocoa may have more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, but don't think of it as a substitute. Think of it more as a supplement. Get the most benefits by adding more antioxidant rich foods to your diet, such as green leafy vegetables and fruit. Its not as easy in this fast paced world of refined foods temptations, but your body will thank you.

Sources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/04/050421234416.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3185363.stm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031106051159.htm