DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       MS Speaks
  HTML https://msspeaks.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: DIET AND NUTRITION
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 945--------------------------------------------------
       Finding the healthiest chocolate
   DIR By: agate
       Date: September 26, 2015, 11:59 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       From the Berkeley Wellness Letter, August 7, 2015:
       --- Quote ---
       > How to Find the Healthiest Chocolate
       >
       > Chocolate makes a lot of people happy, at least temporarily,
       but is it healthy?
       >
       > Studies suggest that compounds in chocolate, called
       flavonoids, have cardiovascular and other potential health
       benefits, due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
       anti-clotting effects. But unless manufacturers take steps to
       preserve the flavonoids, processing the cocoa beans into
       commercial candy greatly reduces their levels.
       >
       > What's more, most chocolate bars are loaded with sugar and
       calories (about 150 calories an ounce). Better sources of
       flavonoids are fruits and vegetables, which have fewer calories
       and an abundance of vitamins and minerals, along with fiber and
       other healthful plant chemicals.
       >
       > If you love chocolate, it’s okay to eat small amounts as a
       treat, not a health food, especially if you choose dark
       chocolate and have it instead of other snacks or desserts that
       are high in calories.
       >
       > Here are six pointers to keep in mind when buying chocolate:
       >
       > 1. Look for dark chocolate that lists cocoa beans (or some
       variation such as cacao, chocolate liquor, or cocoa mass) as the
       first ingredient—not sugar. The higher the percent cocoa (60 to
       75 percent is a reasonable content to aim for), the “darker” the
       chocolate and the less room there is for sugar.
       >
       > 2. Chocolate “serving sizes” vary from about 1 to 1.5 ounces,
       and a bar may have several servings. Eat a medium-size 3-ounce
       bar, and you’ll get about 450 calories and at least 30 grams of
       fat.
       >
       > 3. Watch out for other ingredients in chocolate. Some, like
       nuts and dried fruit, are healthful, but others, like caramel
       and bacon, are not.
       >
       > 4. Cocoa powder is highest in cocoa solids and has more
       flavonoids if it’s not Dutch- or alkali-processed. You can use
       cocoa powder in baking, or mix it with low-fat or nonfat milk
       (sweeten as needed). Most hot cocoa mixes come already
       sweetened. Sugar-free versions have fewer calories. But don’t go
       overboard on cocoa powder—this is especially important for
       children—because it may contain trace amounts of the heavy metal
       cadmium.
       >
       > 5. Be aware that white chocolate is not technically real
       chocolate. It has no cocoa or flavonoids—just cocoa butter,
       sugar, and flavorings.
       >
       > 6. If you're sensitive to caffeine, keep in mind that
       chocolate contains small amounts—about 20 milligrams in an ounce
       of dark chocolate and 6 milligrams in milk chocolate (compared
       to about 100 to 150 milligrams in a cup of coffee).
       --- End Quote ---
       *****************************************************
       Page 1 of 1