What’s the Right Message on Chocolate? (Nov 2005)

Chocolate is high in calories and saturated fats. Some studies suggest that one of the primary fatty acids in chocolate, stearic acid, does not elevate blood cholesterol to the same extent as other saturated fatty acids and may even reduce it.

It is important to remember that overindulging in chocolate will lead to weight gain and its attendant increase in cardiovascular disease risk. To reduce calories is important to remember so one does not put on weight.

Having three ounces of dark chocolate per week will not only increase the flavonols in your diet (also found in fruits, vegetables, red wine and tea), but will reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) an average of 13.3%. Other benefits would include a reduction in those with essential hypertension and an improvement in insulin sensitivity (how the body uses insulin).