A favorite treat is heart healthy? It is the best news since "Cookin' With Cutty" started broadcasting nationwide. Dark chocolate is good for you claims studies in two prestigious scientific journals. Unfortunately this does not apply to white chocolate or milk chocolate.
Patrons enjoying their chocolate at the Annual Kona
Chocolate Festival
Researchers have long known that cocoa beans contain a class of chemicals called flavonoids, which are also found in vegetables, fruits and tea. Previous studies suggest that flavonoids elevate levels of the good cholesterol (HDL) and act as potent antioxidants, protecting cells from free radical damage, which can contribute to heart disease and certain cancers. Antioxidants gobble up free radicals, destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease.
I keep mentioning flavonoids and my spell checker is lighting up the screen. While flavonoids are not a part of everyone's vocabulary (yet), they have become a hot topic in scientific journals and the media. Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plant based foods, recognized as exuding certain health benefits. Found in a variety of foods and drinks, such as cranberries, apples, peanuts, onions, tea and of course our favorite dark chocolate, Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity and are commonly referred to as bioflavonoids in the media.
Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant and lowers high blood pressure (if you've reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure). As mentioned at the beginning of this article, this does not apply to white or milk chocolates. Studies indicate that milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate and may undo the potential health benefits that can result from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate.
But before you head off to the Kona Chocolate Festival, remember that marshmallow-caramel-nut covered dark chocolate is not a heart healthy option and there is no established serving of dark chocolate to reap the cardiovascular benefit. So just like the song from "Cookin' With Cutty" reminds us, "We are a modern nation and we are into moderation, a little of this and a little of that, moderation is where it's at..."
Lisa getting chocolate body painting at the Annual Kona Chocolate Festival
Cutty getting his fill of antioxidants and flavanoids at the Annual Kona
Chocolate Festival...what a fun way to stay healthy!
