The Health Benefits of Chocolate

With the New Year come and gone, many of us are making

good on a resolution to eat healthier. So what's a

chocolate lover to do?



Good news. Research says you can have your cake and

eat it, too. As long as that cake is chocolate.



For centuries, chocolate has been used to treat diseases

and maladies such as depression. Civilizations from

Mexico to Europe have hailed chocolate as an aphrodisiac.

The U.S. government officially recognized its virtues in

World War II, making the chocolate candy bar standard

issue for the military.



Chocolate's scientific name, theobroma cacao, is literally

translated as "food of the gods," and we chocolate cravers

don't need any studies to tell us the power of chocolate

in mood alteration. Its feel good chemicals have long been

associated with feelings of love, safety, and comfort.

Maybe that's why Americans eat an average of 12 pounds

of chocolate per year.



Chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well

as potassium, sodium, iron, and fluorine. Now, researchers

say those creamy chocolate confections may actually help

us live longer, too.



Harvard researchers tracked nearly 8,000 males, with an

average age of 65. Those men who enjoyed chocolate and

candy lived almost a year longer than those who did not.

Those who ate one to three candy bars per month had a 36

percent lower risk of death (compared to the people who

ate no candy), while those who ate three or more candy

bars per week had a 16 percent lower risk.



Why? The researchers say they don't know for sure, but

that it might have something to do with antioxidants.

Chocolate contains the same antioxidant chemicals as

wine (phenols). In the chocolate bar, phenols help

preserve the fat. In our bodies, phenol can help

prevent atherosclerosis.



Like anything, chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation.

Just one ounce of solid chocolate packs about 150 calories

and can be as much as 50 percent fat. So, for your next

chocolate fix, consider reduced fat alternatives, such

as chocolate covered foods or chocolate syrup.



Susie Cortright is the author of several books for women

and founder of the award-winning Momscape.com, a website designed to help busy women find balance. Visit http://www.momscape.com today

and get Susie's *free* course-by-email "6 Days to Less Stress" as

well as the *free* pdf ebook, "Spa Recipes for All Seasons."





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