Facts About Chocolate

Chocolate Helps to Prevent “Bad” Cholesterol

Chocolate contains the same phenolics that are found in red wine. Phenolics are believed to help prevent so-called “bad” cholesterol from clogging arteries. In addition, the stearic acid found in chocolate decreases the liver's output of fat and lowers the production of “bad” cholesterol.

Chocolate is Low in Caffeine

Chocolate is comparatively low in caffeine. For example a one-ounce piece of milk chocolate contains approximately 6 milligrams of caffeine, while a seven-ounce cup of decaffeinated instant coffee contains 3 milligrams of caffeine, and a seven-ounce cup of caffeinated instant coffee contains 65 milligrams of caffeine.

Chocolate Makes You Feel Great

Chocolate is part of a healthy, balanced diet and it makes you feel great! A substance in chocolate called theobromine triggers the release of endorphins, which are chemicals, produced by the brain, that act like a natural antidepressant and can temporarily relieve the blues.

Chocolate Helps You Live Longer

Research proves that candy eaters live almost a year longer than those who abstain.

Chocolate is Good for You

Research has confirmed that chocolate is a good source of the kind of antioxidants found in tea. But actually, the antioxidant content of chocolate is four times that of tea. Plus, the fat in chocolate can help your immune system and it can also help outwit cytokines by reducing your susceptibility to infections and inflammation.

Chocolate Won't Cause Acne

Scientists have concluded that pure chocolate won't cause acne.

Chocolate Can Aid in Whiter Teeth

A dark bar, with its high cocoa-to-sugar ratio, may actually discourage tooth decay and lead to fewer cavities and whiter teeth.

Ease a Cough With Chocolate

One of chocolate's active ingredients, Theobromine, suppresses activity in the vagus nerve, which causes coughing. According to a study published in a recent issue of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal, it was one-third more effective at stopping a persistent cough than a placebo. 

Suggested serving size: One 50-gram bar of dark chocolate or two cups (500 mL) of hot cocoa (made with real cocoa, not hot chocolate mix) per day.

Why Women Need Chocolate — Eat What You Crave to Look and Feel Great

Written by Debra Waterhouse, M.P.H., R.D, this book explains the important gender differences in food cravings, why the female biology triggers a need for chocolate and other foods, and how women can enhance emotional and physical well-being by responding to their vital food messages.