Valentine Chocolate is Good for your Health

As Valentine day approaches, remember that moderate amounts of dark chocolate may play a role in cancer prevention.

Recent research indicates that dark chocolate’s chemicals, which act as antioxidants, have been shown to play a role in reducing cancer risks by helping to combat cell damage that can lead to tumor growth. These antioxidants occur naturally in the plant-based cacao bean, the base of all chocolate products. Cacao beans are, in fact, one of the most concentrated natural sources of antioxidants that exist.

The nice thing about dark chocolate is that it has a higher percentage of healthy antioxidants, without the increased sugar and saturated fats added to milk chocolate.

Since chocolate has become a symbol for love, indulgence, and temptation, it can now be considered good for your health.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, people should aim for pure dark chocolate that contains at least 65 percent cacao, as opposed to the kind of chocolate commonly used in cakes and cookies, which contain more calories, sugar and unhealthy fats.

When eating chocolate, looking at portion size and calorie content also is crucial. Recommended servings for dark chocolate are seven ounces per week, which is about one ounce per day.

So for all you men out there, here is the Dark Chocolate Gift Guide with some tips on buying a Valentine’s Day gift that is good for the heart in more ways than one.

• Choose dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage (65 percent or higher).Buy chocolate that can be eaten in small portions, such as individually wrapped chocolates or boxed candy (approximately 1 oz per serving).
• Check the ingredients. Make sure they don’t contain fats, such as palm and coconut oils, and they are made without the use of ‘hydrogenated’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ oils.
• Include a special message in a Valentine’s Day card. Remind the person you love that dark chocolate can aid in cancer prevention. Because it’s only healthful in small portions, also encourage him or her to share the chocolates with others.
• Give cocoa powder – it also makes a great gift. In addition to dark chocolate candies, gourmet cocoa powder, used for hot chocolate and baking, also comes in 65 percent cacao versions.
• Make your Valentine’s Day shopping easy and fun by looking-up the nutrition information and portion sizes of your favorite brands before hitting the stores. Most companies now list everything online.