Myths About Chocolate

Since we started the week with chocolate, I might as well stay there today. I love chocolate, who doesn't? Actually there are few people who don't. So people just don't have the taste buds for this wonderful delicacy called chocolate. I will research that and get back to you. I do know there is a condition or something that people have that they can't stand the taste of it. Anyway on to to today's subject.

7 Myths & Facts about Chocolate
Melting the Myths for Good
-- By Leanne Beattie, Health & Fitness Writer
click here for entire article and more on the facts

Whether you prefer a gooey chocolate truffle or a mug of hot cocoa, chocolate is the number one indulgence for most of us—especially on Valentine’s Day. But this indulgence comes at a price, right? After all, isn’t chocolate bad for us, full of caffeine and saturated fat? Not so fast—new research has shown that chocolate can be a part of a healthy diet after all.

• Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine: Fact: While eating chocolate may perk you up, chocolate is actually not very high in caffeine.
• Myth: Chocolate is loaded with saturated fat and is bad for your cholesterol. :Fact: Stearic acid, the main saturated fat found in milk chocolate, is unique. Research has shown that it doesn’t raise cholesterol levels:
• Myth: Chocolate lacks any nutritional value.: Fact: Chocolate is a good source of magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. It also contains polyphenols (an antioxidant also found in tea and red wine)
• Myth: Chocolate causes cavities. Fact:Candy alone is not responsible for cavities.
• Myth: Chocolate causes headaches: Fact: While sited as a common cause of migraines, a study by the University of Pittsburgh has shown no link between chocolate and headaches
• Myth: Chocolate causes acne: Fact: Regardless of what your parents or grandparents may still say, studies in the past twenty years have eliminated chocolate as a cause of acne
• Myth: Chocolate causes weight gain: Fact: Any food can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation

Chocolate’s bad reputation is slowly changing and research now shows that chocolate can be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, when consumed in moderation. If you keep your portion sizes small and select dark chocolate whenever possible, the ccasional treat can be a guilt-free part of your diet.