By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Associate Nutrition Editor for EatingWell Magazine
When it comes to dessert, chocolate is my weakness. The silky, rich, bittersweet stuff is sure to satisfy my sweet tooth. As a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor of EatingWell Magazine, I also know that chocolate actually has several health benefits. Still, it's not kale -- so before I totally get swept away by chocolate's healthy halo, I try to remember that there are some drawbacks to my favorite treat too.
Pro: It's (Almost) A Diet Food
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Preliminary findings from Hershey suggest that natural cocoa, which has more flavanols than Dutch-processed cocoa, may limit the number of calories you actually take in during digestion by quashing the action of certain digestive enzymes, thus preventing some fats and starches in other foods from being absorbed. More research is needed -- this study was done in test tubes, not humans -- but the authors hope that the results will hold up in human trials.
More from EatingWell:Low-Calorie Chocolate DessertsThe Best And Worst Foods For Your HeartInstant Chocolate Dessert Recipes
Preliminary findings from Hershey suggest that natural cocoa, which has more flavanols than Dutch-processed cocoa, may limit the number of calories you actually take in during digestion by quashing the action of certain digestive enzymes, thus preventing some fats and starches in other foods from being absorbed. More research is needed -- this study was done in test tubes, not humans -- but the authors hope that the results will hold up in human trials.
Preliminary findings from Hershey suggest that natural cocoa, which has more flavanols than Dutch-processed cocoa, may limit the number of calories you actually take in during digestion by quashing the action of certain digestive enzymes, thus preventing some fats and starches in other foods from being absorbed. More research is needed -- this study was done in test tubes, not humans -- but the authors hope that the results will hold up in human trials.
More from EatingWell:Low-Calorie Chocolate DessertsThe Best And Worst Foods For Your HeartInstant Chocolate Dessert Recipes
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What's your favorite kind of chocolate?
By Kerri-Ann Jennings
Kerri-Ann, a registered dietitian, is the associate editor of nutrition for EatingWell magazine, where she puts her master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University to work writing and editing news about nutrition, health and food trends. In her free time, Kerri-Ann likes to practice yoga, hike, bake and paint.
By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Associate Nutrition Editor for EatingWell Magazine
When it comes to dessert, chocolate is my weakness. The silky, rich, bittersweet stuff is sure to satisfy my sweet...
By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Associate Nutrition Editor for EatingWell Magazine
When it comes to dessert, chocolate is my weakness. The silky, rich, bittersweet stuff is sure to satisfy my sweet...
Hardly a day goes by without a headline trumpeting what we should or shouldn't eat. But often these snippets about diet and nutrition are only half true: They're partly supported by science, but overall they're misleading because they come with big caveats.
On average, Americans consume 475 calories of added sugars every day (that's 30 teaspoons). Compare this with the American Heart Association's recommendation that American women limit their added sugars to no more than 100 calories (or 6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day and men consume no more than 150 calories (9 teaspoons) daily.
With Valentine's Day fast approaching and our youngest daughter's first birthday coming even sooner, we're in the mood for sweet treats in Rome. But here's what we'd like to avoid: a giant family-wide sugar crash.
I live in a world where decent people occasionally eat chips. So I say it's a good thing to offer the best possible nutrition guidance -- and let the chips fall where they may.
"Preliminary findings from Hershey...the authors hope that the results will hold up in human trials."
Self-serving internal research by a purveyor of schlock. Scientists do not "hope the results hold up in human trials." They do the trials to see if the results hold up.
Goliadkin: "Preliminary findings from Hershey...the authors hope that the results will
Pullease......... We don't need to rationalize any more than we do. Let's just be honest and say that a bit of chocolate now and then won't kill you, but making a habit of eating too much will (of chocolate and everything else).
William Anderson, LMHC
Author of 'The Anderson Method - Secrets of Permanent Weight Loss' www.TheAndersonMethod.com
William_Anderson_LMHC: Pullease......... We don't need to rationalize any more than we
In fact, I just had a bit myself tonight, Hersey's milk chocolate, with a glass of Robert Mondavi Cabernet. I might have some more next weekend, or perhaps a dish of ice cream.
William_Anderson_LMHC: In fact, I just had a bit myself tonight, Hersey's
When processed properly, dark chocolate has more antioxidants than any food on the planet. I have found a company that cold-presses the cocoa beans, keeping all of the antioxidants. It is also vegan and diabetic friendly and tastes so good you think you are doing something wrong. You can get 10 - 12 servings of raw fruits and vegetables with just 3 pieces for as little as 100 low-glycemic calories. There is a great article on the difference between "good chocolate" and "bad" chocolate at cocoa101.com.
Diana_McCalla: When processed properly, dark chocolate has more antioxidants than any
Yes chocolate does have antioxidanÂts, but in order for the chocolate to eliminate any free radicals your would have to eat around 15lbs of chocolate a day.
Miss_Michelle: Yes chocolate does have antioxidanÂts, but in order for the
While that is true of "candy" commercial chocolate. Not so with unprocessed cacao. You get the equivalent of 10 - 12 servings of raw fruits and vegetables for as little as 100 low-glycemic calories. Did you read the link I referred you to in my previous post? That will help clear up the confusion.
Diana_McCalla: While that is true of "candy" commercial chocolate. Not so
Finding samples in the real world for real families is quite easy using "Get Official Samples" site, Remember, it’s not how much you save, but how little you spend.
judithsherry: Finding samples in the real world for real families is
Heres the thing..I love dark chocolate and never saw weight gain what i did experience over time is that it relaxes the flap that connects the stomach to the esophagus and can cause GERD because the flap is so floppy and relaxed the acid comes up also it is very acid it seems. I love it so much but it causes this problem and many people arent aware of that.there is no benefit with milk chocolate only dark and its the dark that causes this hidden problem. Any one have any ideas or remedies other than giving up chocolate?
beth24: Heres the thing..I love dark chocolate and never saw weight
You probably want to avoid mint, as well. It can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and the acid splashes up in to the esophagus, too. They used to recommend after dinner mints, because when the sphincter relaxes, you belch more and then have less gas. But if you have GERD, it's not a good idea.
GOODDOC1: You probably want to avoid mint, as well. It can
I once heard a story about how south and central american natives mixed cocoa with peppers prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the late 15th century. Some Catholic nuns had the idea of mixing cocoa with milk and sugar and were enamored with the result. So enamored in fact that they forgot their nunley duties and spent all their time experimenting with new chocolate concoctions. This prompted the Pope to condemn chocolate as a tool of the Devil.
cilantro518: I once heard a story about how south and central
I heard that story, too---I'm sure its true. I think back several years when doctors blamed chocolate for teenage skin problems, causing diabetes and rotting teeth; having no redeeming qualities. Now it is a 'health food'. I'll always eat the things that I feel are healthy---the devil with 'the experts'.
tlmillard: I heard that story, too---I'm sure its true. I think
Sweet Science: The Health Benefits of Chocolate | LiveScience
Self-serving internal research by a purveyor of schlock. Scientists do not "hope the results hold up in human trials." They do the trials to see if the results hold up.
William Anderson, LMHC
Author of 'The Anderson Method - Secrets of Permanent Weight Loss'
www.TheAndersonMethod.com