Can chocolate be a “heart-healthy” food?
Chocolate today is processed and contains varying amounts of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, and milk. Although chocolate is relatively high in calories and fat (about 150 calories and 8.5 grams of fat per ounce), it contains monounsaturated fat and a type of saturated fat that are not associated with increasing blood cholesterol levels. In fact, research studies have shown that chocolate does not raise and may even improve blood cholesterol levels. Chocolate contains a variety of minerals that are needed for cardiovascular health, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium. It also contains flavonoids, which are substances that act as antioxidants, protecting the body from “free radicals” (oxidized compounds that are associated with the development of heart disease). Dark chocolate contains greater amounts of minerals and flavonoids than lighter chocolates. Recent studies are investigating other positive effects of chocolate, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, and vas
