Vosges Gourmet Chocolate in Las Vegas adds bacon to some of theirs. There are so many varieties that every person is sure to find at least one to suit his or her tastes.
The world cannot seem to get enough chocolate. Whether it is smooth and melt-in-your-mouth creamy, or rich, warm and dark, chocolate is a favorite treat for nearly everyone.
Information about the health benefits of chocolate change frequently, as scientists discover new information about this decadent, bittersweet confection. People are learning that perhaps chocolate is not so bad after all.
Health experts tell people to avoid saturated fats, and chocolate contains cocoa butter, which is a saturated fat. However, cocoa butter is not necessarily bad for you. “Steric acid, the main saturated fat in milk chocolate, is unique,” according to the Hershey Company website.
“Chocolate contains three kinds of fat — polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated. Steric acid is unique. Studies have shown that it does not raise total cholesterol levels,” Amy Bey, Nutrition Information Specialist for Residence Life and Dining Services, said.
Chocolate has a low glycemic index. Studies show that it will not cause the spikes in blood sugar like other sweet treats. However, Bey recommends caution.
“All chocolate candy contains some added sugar. Read the label to determine the amount of total carbohydrates or look at the ingredient list for sources of added sugar,” she said.
Antioxidants have made health related news in recent years. “Antioxidants are a group of nutrients that protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals,” Bey said. “Oxidative damage causes skin damage, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and decreased immune function.”
Not all chocolate is created equally. Milk chocolate contains more sugar and milk and has fewer antioxidants and other nutrients. Dark chocolate is best; the darker the better.
Chocolate contains antioxidants known as flavonals.
“Flavonals are the part of chocolate that give it the bitter taste. The darker the chocolate, the more flavonals there will be,” Bey said. Flavonals also are found in cranberries, tea and red wine and can protect a person’s body from cell damage.
“Studies have also shown flavonals may help improve your blood pressure,” Bey said. “It basically helps dilate blood vessels, decreasing pressure in the cardio vascular system.”
The key to enjoying any food as part of a healthy diet is moderation, and chocolate is no exception. The Hershey Company says “an average chocolate bar contains about 200-220 calories.”
“There haven’t been enough studies to give a dietary recommendation for the amount of chocolate you can include in your diet,” Bey said. However, the occasional chocolate bar should not be a problem.
