Many of you may indulge in a few sweets this Easter weekend as you fill up those Easter baskets. According to the May 2011 Mayo Clinic Health Letter, chocolate in small amounts does have healthy perks! Here’s just a friendly reminder that there are some benefits to your chocolate indulgence, in small quantities over time. (portion savvy snack serving size = ½ ounce only!)
- Raw cacao beans contain flavonoids, antioxidants found in plants that may play a protective role in cardiovascular health such as improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood clotting, blood vessel function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers. Cocoa reduces the risk of heart disease by boosting your good cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing your bad cholesterol (LDL).
- According to other research, dark chocolate may reduce levels of stress hormones, increase libido, improve skin quality, and promote digestion. Just two tablespoons of natural cocoa has more antioxidant properties than four cups of green tea!
- To make the chocolate that we love and crave, these raw cacao beans are fermented, roasted, ground, and separated into cocoa powder and cocoa butter. A process called “dutching” neutralizes the bitter taste through alkalizing. This results in fewer healthy flavanols, and less antioxidant activity. Most chocolate contains added sugar, fats, and excess calories. Therefore, it's important to know your chocolate and make better choices!
- Basic rule: flavanol content reflects the level of fat-free cocoa solids in chocolate. The higher the fat-free cocoa solids, the better the chocolate is for you.
- A fan of white chocolate? Unfortunately, white chocolate contains no cocoa powder, only cocoa butter, sugar, and flavorings, making it a less healthy choice.
- What are your best chocolate options?
- Unsweetened 100% cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate that doesn’t list sugar as its first ingredient. The darker the better! It contains the highest levels of polyphenols of any chocolate.
- Look for brands that are least 70% pure cocoa, have not been alkalized, contain no artificial sweeteners (natural raw cane sugar is a good choice), and contain cocoa butter instead of hydrogenated oils or milk fats.
- Trader Joe's offers a large selection of dark chocolate covered nuts, bars, and fruits. Add a few of these to that Easter basket for a healthier treat!
