Sweet Truths About Chocolate

Secrets... We all have them and we all live with them. I am going to share one with you now... Are you prepared? It will change your entire world. Your entire way of thinking will be altered with these next few words...

Chocolate is not an addition! Scientific research shows that what people have a yen for is the aroma of chocolate. Its creaminess and satisfying flavor is what people crave. (The Snickers people have their ad campaign right!) It is all in the sensory compounds.

With the holidays approaching, chocolate will be playing a huge part in our lives these next few months. Let us discuss other facts about the delectable treat.

Truths about chocolate- body weight

Deprivation is not the key to losing weight! Moderation is. Indeed, do not deprive yourself of chocolate during this time, but monitor your intake. Do not tackle those brownies as if there is no tomorrow, rather enjoy the delicious aroma of one (alright, two!) Your child's pumpkin is overflowing with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (my favorite) - share with someone.

For every piece of chocolate you keep for yourself (and your family) start a donation pile for your church or local women's shelter.

If you have discovered that you ate an entire row of Oreo double stuff cookies in one sitting whilst watching a television program or crafting Christmas gifts, get out and take a walk. Do not beat yourself up for enjoying a delicacy, work with it.

Truths about chocolate- physical ailments

Some say they have an allergy to chocolate. However, such an allergy is actually quite rare. (Blessed be about that truth!!!) What people can be allergic to is other ingredients added to the chocolate such as corn syrup, nuts, gluten and lecithin. Get tested to ferret out the truth.

People have complained of headaches and migraines after chocolate consumption. Look into your lifestyle and see if maybe something else is not the culprit. (Menopause can be one reason, after all!)

Some people have diabetes. Chocolate was not the cause of diabetes. Chocolate is not a catalyst that needs to be avoided all together either if one has diabetes. Again, moderation is the operative work here. Chocolate can be flavorful as well as enjoyed. As long as it is not over done, and taken to an extreme extreme.

Some people have heart disease. This does not mean no more chocolate ever! Research your food intake, and make substitutions. To enjoy that Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, omit having mayonnaise on your sandwich.

Some people have high cholesterol levels. Again moderation is key. One mini 3 Musketeers bar can be okay. Check with your doctor. Chocolate in moderation does not increase a person's cholesterol levels.

Some people have nasty looking teeth. Chocolate is not the enemy here. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily. Have regular dental check ups. Chew sugarless gum after partaking is a sugary sweet, to help the remove the sugar from your teeth.

Truths about chocolate- children

Children get excited! Parties, events, family gathering, staying up late can be reason enough to cause over excitement in children. Chocolate is not solely to blame here. Chocolate does not cause acne. Children require nutrients. Chocolate has them. A milk chocolate bar provides three grams of protein therein meeting 15 % of the daily value of riboflavin, 9 % of the daily value for calcium and 7 % of the daily value for iron.

There is the secret is out. I feel better now, don't you? If I had not already enjoyed a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup whilst writing this, I would have one now. Moderation!!!