Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition and Health.
People tend to talk about chocolate and its nutritional facets and in the end, people tend to conclude that because of its many ingredients that are not considered healthy, chocolate then is also not nutritious. However, this popular notion may not be entirely true.
Chocolate, according to some, contains certain nutrients. These nutrients are good for the body provided that they are eaten in small amounts only. After all, anything taken excessively is not always ideal. Excessive amounts of chocolate in your system can be harmful to your health and can even cause the build up of cholesterol and fats and this, as we all know, cause weight gain. Bear in mind, that if you must eat large amounts of chocolate, you have to "balance it out" with other food.
Chocolate contains stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that is commonly found in cocoa butter. Of course, saturated fat is not healthy. However, compared to other types of fat, stearic acid does not increase your blood cholesterol as rapidly. In fact, stearic acid may even help your heart.
The protein in chocolate is another reason as to why this sweet stuff can be healthy for a person. Generally, chocolate bars contain three to four grams of protein and we know that protein is helpful to the human body.
The antioxidants found in chocolates (flavanoids) are also found to prevent cancer as well as thwart age-related diseases. Flavanoids can also accordingly lower blood cholesterol levels and help keep the blood levels at normal rates.
Did you know chocolates also have copper, calcium and magnesium? Most, if not all, people probably do not know that chocolate has these ingredients!
One has to familiarize him or herself with the various types of chocolates, to know what's good and what's not. Compared to other types of chocolate that have too much saturated fat, dark chocolate is popularly known to contain the "ideal ingredients".
Given these facts, people's outlook on chocolates has changed. Instead of labeling it as purely junk food, chocolate may now be considered as health food. This is because of the ingredients of chocolate that actually carry good results for the human body. These ingredients can help with heart problems, blood pressure and other health-related concerns.
Hence, to partake of chocolates is not bad after all! Health junkies need not stay away from them and people with that sweet tooth need not give them up. Chocolates can be healthy. Just remember to eat them in moderation.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Xocai Healthy Chocolate Work At Home Jobs
- Chocolate Mask Chocolate Facial
- New Healthy Chocolate That Could Change your Life
- Healthy Chocolate Can Also be a Happy Chocolate
- Is There a Chocolate to Die for That’s Also Healthy?
- Chocolate-- The Newest Health Food?
- How to Master Chocolate, Or to Love Succumbing
- The Nutrition in Chocolate
A Fast Fat Burning Diet Plan
By: Christian Walker | 03/01/2010Need to lose weight fast? Maybe for a reunion, wedding, or the beach season is only a month away? Scripted diets may be the thing that will get you there!
Food Allergy: Top Types
By: EMMA WANJIKU | 03/01/2010Food allergy is basically defined as adverse reaction or response to food protein. This problem is not uncommon at all and all kinds of people all over the world suffer these allergies.
Best Fast Weight Loss Diet for People Who Hate Diets
By: tomer | 03/01/2010Everyone wants to find the best fast weight loss diet, but not many people can actually stay on the ones they do find. Seems we can live with the blubber, bulges and fat better than we can live WITHOUT the junk food.
Want to Get Rid of Belly Fat? Find Out Why Refined Carbohydrates Are a Dietary Disaster
By: John Arnast | 03/01/2010Fatty foods are not the only dieter’s enemy; so are carbohydrates. But not all carbohydrates are bad for your diet. Find out why there is a difference between slow and fast burning carbs.
Pre-Workout Nutrition
By: dufur | 03/01/2010Pre-workout nutrition is important very important, a good pre-workout meal will provide you with an abundance of energy to reach your maximum performance while in the gym. Increased energy from this meal will keep you from getting tired during your workout and might help you in getting a couple of extra reps or increasing the weight on some of your lifts. Pre-workout meals should be consumed one to two hours before your workout, These times will be determined by your metabolism and how much you eat.
Healthy Snack Food Ideas
By: Chris Xavier | 03/01/2010Healthy snack food can make a real difference in your eating habits. Instead of eating junk food between meals, you can have healthy things like fresh or dried fruits, trail mix or nut butters.
Eat Good, Feel Good with Medifast Diet
By: Jenny Jamison | 02/01/2010Contrary to what other diet plans say, there is no shortcut to losing weight. You cannot achieve results without working and striving hard to lose those excess fats and flabs that you have grown to hate. In fact, you should be wary of diet plans that promise overnight success because these are the kinds that have side effects and are not good for your health.
Medifast1.com - What Everybody is Raving About
By: Jenny Jamison | 02/01/2010Excess weight is a growing problem in this country. You see more and more people of different ages succumbing to obesity and weight problems. This problem, which does not only affect a person’s lifestyle, outlook, and confidence, but more importantly, takes a toll on his or her health, should be solved with proper exercise and the right kind of diet. Speaking of diet, if you search for diet programs online, you would be bombarded with millions of results.
Your Health and Colon Cleansing
By: Scott Meyers | 22/05/2008 | HealthUnless your physician is one of the rare individuals who has found a way to marry medical science with the age-old wisdom found in homeopathy the odds are good that your doctor has not talked to you about regularly cleansing your colon.
The Seven Steps of a Successful Colon Cleanse
By: Scott Meyers | 19/05/2008 | HealthThe average American becomes familiar with high-fat, high sodium, low nutrient food choices very early on in life. Fast food french fries are top on the list of toddlers favorite foods. Add to that the heavily marketed meals that include toys and colorful bags as well as restaurants that include playgrounds, you will quickly understand why fast food is such a hit with even the youngest consumers!
Keeping your Appendix Healthy with a Colon Cleanse
By: Scott Meyers | 12/05/2008 | HealthWhat if you found out that a recent surgery could have been avoided altogether with a seven day treatment regimen known as a colon cleanse?
Stress Triggers and How to Deal With Them
By: Scott Meyers | 07/05/2008 | HealthThere are many causes of stress in our lives from having to multi-task, procrastinating, forgetfulness, being late, not preparing, lack of organization, and the inability to get a good nights sleep.
The Most Commonly Overlooked Aspect of the Colon Cleanse
By: Scott Meyers | 07/05/2008 | HealthAs a health conscious consumer, you know that colon cleanses are a must for ensuring your body's overall wellbeing and ensuring that your digestive tract is in good working order.
Your Prescription for Hangovers
By: Scott Meyers | 07/05/2008 | HealthFor those of you who have ever had a little too much to drink and have paid the price the next morning, you know there is no magic pill that can miraculously cure your hangover. There are some things, however, that may get you back on the road to a quick recovery.
Avoid Hangovers by Knowing What Not To Do
By: Scott Meyers | 07/05/2008 | HealthThere are two tired and true ways to avoid a hangover. The first is don't drink and the second is know your limits if you are going to drink.