Do you believe that dark chocolate is healthier for us than other types?

@rx4life (1930)
United States
April 28, 2007 9:18pm CST
The studies that are out there indicate it is. But not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate contains a lot more cocoa than other forms of chocolate. And standard chocolate manufacturing destroys up to half of the flavoniods. But chocolate companies have now learned to make dark chocolate that keeps up to 95% of its flavoniods. Sure, this seems like a scam. Can't you get more and better flavoniods from other foods? Surprisingly, the answer is "not really." Dark chocolate contains more flavoniods than any other food -- including green tea, black tea, red wine, and blueberries. Many people don't realize that chocolate is plant-derived, as are the fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy heart. While a little dark chocolate is good, a lot is not better. Chocolate still is loaded with calories. If you're going to eat more chocolate, you'll have to cut back somewhere else. And remember that a balanced diet -- and plenty of exercise -- is still the key to heart health. Do you treat yourself to the healthier chocolate or are you more apt to be a creamy milk chocolate lover that lacks the benefits of dark and extra dark?
2 people like this
5 responses
@laltu86 (1249)
• India
10 May 07
Yes , i had also read some artical about these dark chocolates being health suppliments.But as you have mentioned ,they are less in fat and calories. A reasearch using 21 subjects by Dr.Mary Engler, PhD, RN, of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues, has proved this only
1 person likes this
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
10 May 07
Chocolate is a great anti-depressant!!! ( unless you eat too much..then the tight clothes might depress you!!!) LOL
@romel_ece (1290)
• Philippines
3 May 07
Yes I agree with you that dark chocolate is always healthier than the other types of chocolates.It is always good to know that dark chocolate contains more flavoniods than any other food.
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
9 May 07
I don't think it's the best source of flavonoids...but at least it is one of them!! I'm still a milk chocolate girl at heart!!!LOL
• United States
29 Apr 07
It does stand to reason because it's less tampered with and in a more natural state. I have to say though that I prefer my milk chocolate any day. Chocolate has always been viewed as this "evil" snack and while like anything, too much is never a good thing, it really isn't as bad for us as many think. Even caffeine in it is a lot less then most think! We have a special chocolatier here that has really done a lot to promote the healthy side of chocolate and has a wonderful product. He's always told his customers that the darker chocolate is better for you and even had various signs and such pointing out the caffeine content of chocolate versus coffee and certain teas.
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
29 Apr 07
It may be healthier...and so many people prefer it...but I am a full-on milk chocoholic and proud of it!!! The dark chocolate is "emergency" chocolate in my life..like if I'm down to nothing else chocolate in the house...then I might open the dark chocolate...but probably not!!! Give me a Lindt milk chocolate bar, a Toblerone Milk chocolate bar or even a boring Milky Way...and I am a happy camper!!! I believe it is the best antidepressant in the world!!!LOL
@kathy77 (7485)
• Australia
29 Apr 07
I have heard that dark chocolate is supposed to be better for your health, than any of the other chocolates out there. I am quite sure that you could get more flavoniods from other food besides doing this. Yes chocolate sure has a lot of calories so it is best to just eat a little, yes you are right that a balanced diet and enough exercise on a daily basis is best for your health. When I eat chocolate I only have one or two pieces now, but I do not like the taste of dark chocolate. But I husband does prefer this when he eats chocolate.
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
29 Apr 07
I have cut way back on my chocolate eating..but still can't think of anything that tastes better than some fabulous milk chocolate...the dark may be the best for you..but everything in moderation..and a little extra time on the treadmill is worth a couple of bites of milk chocolate!!!
• Singapore
29 Apr 07
What I believe is that one can get fat from too much chocolates lol. But since experts have been claiming dark chocolates to be beneficial, when I do eat chocolate, I try to choose the dark type. This makes me less guilty when I am indulging. :P
1 person likes this
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
9 May 07
One can get fat from eating too much of anything!! LOL I still don't care for the dark chocolate...so when I get to indulge in my passion of milk chocolate, I try to restrain myself!!! LOL