For All Those Chocolate Lovers!

By Richard Chan

Whenever we eat chocolate we have some form of guilt regretting it afterwards. What if I were to tell you it was healthy and you can feel guilt free! Now, let me discuss why cocoa and other foods have benefits to our body.

Recent studies have proven that cocoa is good for you because it contains flavonoids. They are polyphenolic compounds which are a group of chemical substances found in plants. They contain a special type of antioxidant that helps prevent cancer, heart disease, beneficial effects on human health, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc. In France there was a study done that a glass of red wine a day may improve a persons chances of having a second heart attack by half. In China they found people drinking tea were half as likely to develop cancer to those not drinking tea. When we consume any food that contains flavonoid our blood increases. The rise in antioxidant levels protects us from damage to blood vessels and the heart. This prevents our DNA from damage and leading to cancer. Foods that contain flavonoids are cocoa, parsley, onion, beans, almonds, coffee, green tea, black tea, red wine, etc. The food that had the strongest antioxidant was cocoa out beating the commonly known tea. The more flavonoid content of cocoa, the higher the antioxidant. Dark chocolate is more concentrated in cocoa content than milk chocolate. Also, white chocolate has no cocoa content. Although we know antioxidants are important for good health, researchers still have been studying the exact daily amount required per person.

As a friendly reminder don't overdo it on eating chocolates because too much of anything isn't good for you. You also have to take into consideration of the calories. A small piece of cocoa contains about 50 calories and a majority of candy bars contain about 200. Vegetables and fruits range from 25-80 calories and a serving of green tea has no calories at all. And of course vegetables and fruits also have vitamin, minerals, phytochemicals that protect our health besides the flavonoids it contains. Remember this should not discourage us from eating a mostly plant-based diet that includes lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. So, enjoy and eat your cocoa with moderation so that you can balance a fulfillment of all the good foods out there!

Richard Chan is a Health and Fitness Life Coach, promoting good health internally and externally. For more information you can visit Richard Chan at http://www.flex-fitness.com regarding exercising, training or nutrition.

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