Yes, Virginia, Chocolate IS a Health Food!

I'm determined to legitimize chocolate as a bona fide health food — and a new study involving more than 100,000 people is helping my cause!

Researchers from the University of Cambridge analyzed 7 studies on chocolate and heart health, involving more than 114,000 people. Compared to those who ate the least chocolate, those who ate the most had a 37% reduced rate of any type of cardiovascular disease (angina, heart attack, heart failure) and a 29% reduced risk of stroke. The chocolate lovers also had a 50% lower risk of dying from heart disease, and a 35% lower risk of developing diabetes.

To put that finding in perspective, the cholesterol-lowering drug statin is linked to a 1.2% lower risk of having a heart attack. That means chocolate is 30 times more powerful than statins in protecting your heart! (Not to mention a whole lot tastier!)

The study looked at chocolate in any form — dark, milk, or white; chocolate bars, chocolate drinks, and chocolate snacks. But I recommend looking for a dark chocolate with a high content of cocoa, which is a factor in chocolate that protects the heart. A treat with 85% cocoa is optimal, but 75% or so is still very good. Sugar-free chocolate is the best, and Russell Stover has a great line that's easy to find. For a real treat, check out the sugar-free chocolate line at Abdullahs online.

But remember: chocolate is not a low-calorie sweet. A little goes a long way. Eat a bite or two of your favorite chocolate, letting it melt in your mouth.

Reference

"It's official — chocolate linked to heart health," EurekAlert.org. August 29,2011