Chocolate is, hands down, the number one food women crave!  A woman’s love for chocolate can range from a casual affair to the amusing declaration that chocolate is better than sex.  Luckily, it would seem that science, for once, may be on our side.  Scientists, men and women alike, can agree that this dark and dreamy sweet is SO much more than an irresistible treat.  However, recent campaigns for chocolate to become recognized as a health food have stirred up some questions:

What makes chocolate so lovable?

Cocoa! Cocoa is considered an anti-inflammatory food because it contains the following:

  • Antioxidants: Cocoa is a potent source of certain antioxidants called flavonols, which can repair cell damage and help protect us from environmental toxins. Research also suggests that flavonols can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow throughout the body, and by making platelets less sticky and less likely to form clots.
  • Phenethylamine: This unique compound stimulates the release of endorphins, stirring feelings of passion and love.
  • Threobromine: Cocoa contains a moderate amount of this caffeine-like substance.

Is chocolate a dessert or a health food?

The correct answer is both!  While chocolate is a rich source of disease-fighting compounds, it is also rather decadent source of sugar and saturated fat.  While this deadly dynamic duo is not the same in every chocolate bar, it’s important to understand chocolate has some limitations.

Not to rain on the chocolate parade, but it is also important to note that many of the nutritious compounds in chocolate can be found in elsewhere- cranberries, peanuts, onions, tea and red wine.

Is all chocolate created equal?

No!  As a general rule of thumb: the darker, the better.  Dark chocolate is significantly lower in sugar than white and milk chocolate, and has a higher concentration of cocoa.  As chocolate is processed, flavonols are lost.  For maximum health benefits, look for chocolate that is >70% cacoa, and choose cocoa powder that has not undergone Dutch processing.

Bottom line: Dark chocolate has been brought out of the naughty, and into the nice nutritional category.  However, as with anything that is yummy, it should be enjoyed in moderation.  Limit your chocolate indulgence to 1 ounce a few times a week.

Got a hankering for some chocolate?  Try these Orange Ginger Dark Chocolate Truffles– all the sinfully good flavor of a chocolate truffle, with an anti-inflammatory boost.  You’re welcome!