Chocolate Facts

I'm not sure if this is good news, or bad news.... Yes, chocolate can be good for you.

No, this doesn't give you free rein to gobble as many Mars Bars or Peanut Butter Cups as you feel like, in the name of good health!

What you need is good quality chocolate that hasn't been mixed with huge quantities of sugar and fat.

Here are the chocolate facts:

• Anti-oxidants Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which contain flavanols - powerful antioxidants which help to protect the body from the effects of pesticides, pollutants, and ageing.
• Health benefits of chocolate Apart from valuable antioxidants, chocolate contains copper, magnesium and iron, plus vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E. Research has shown that chcolate can help boost immunity, lower blood pressure and may even have anti-cancer properties. It's suggested that dark chocolate can lower cholesterol. And the serotonin in chocolate is a well-known natural mood-enhancer. Great stuff, but before you get too excited...
• What chocolate should I avoid? The chocolate facts show that high temperatures and pressure used in processing milk and white chocolate destroys the flavanols. Cheap, everyday chocolate bars usually have a low cocoa solids content, plus masses of added sugar and vegetable fats. They won't do your health any good at all.
• What chocolate is good for me? What you need, is dark chocolate, containing 65 per cent of more of cocoa solids. Not only does it have a richer, far more complex flavour, it gives you all the health benefits of the cocoa bean.
• How do I recognise good chocolate? The surface should be glossy, the colour dark with reddish-black undertones, and the bar should snap crisply when you break it. Seek out brands with no or low added sugar and a high cocoa-solid content. For preference, choose fair trade brands, and also look out for organic chocolate.
• How much chocolate should I eat? Think of chocolate as something very special, to be savoured. A couple of squares of top quality chocolate, two or three times a week, is absolutely fine as an addition to a healthy diet. But you can't use it as an alternative to fresh fruits and vegetables.
• How do I store chocolate? Keep it in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator.
• How can I cook with chocolate? There's a great selection of healthy chocolate recipes on this site.

Next time you fancy a little sweet something, remember the chocolate facts, and buy chocolate that tastes great and is good for your health.

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