Dark Chocolate - A Healthy Treat?

Did you know that more and more research is showing that dark chocolate has many health benefits? Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals have been linked to the development of diseases like arthritis, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.
Research has also shown that these antioxidants, much like the ones found in cranberries, wine, and tea, can lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. Dark chocolate even stimulates endorphin release, which has a positive affect on your mood.
Many people laugh at the possibility that chocolate could be healthy. That's because most of the chocolate we eat is mixed in with lots of sugar, caramel, and other flavors that dilute it's healthiness (like candybars).
But chocolate itself is a very good thing. Specifically, we are talking about dark chocolateVery dark. Dark chocolate is rated by it's cocoa content.
Most chocolate candy has just a little cocoa and a ton of sugar. Dark chocolate has a lot of cocoa and a little sugar. You will find it in the grocery store in the candy aisle, and it will usually be marked with a number denoting the percentage of cocoa used to make it.
Naturally, the higher that number, the more cocoa, and that means more antioxidants. However, cocoa is also bitter, which is why they need to add at least some sugar.
If you've never had dark chocolate, don't go right for the super dark right away. It will probably be too bitter. Your taste buds expect chocolate to be sweet. To start with, look for something that is about 40-50% cocoa, like Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate. It's darker than a typical Hershey's bar, but not too bitter.
If that goes well, then try one that's 60%, then 70%, and even 80% if you're brave (don't do this all on the same day). The goal is for you to find the highest percentage that you can handle.
Ghirardelli and Lindt both make delicious chocolates in the 70% range. As you taste more and more, you'll start to appreciate dark chocolate for it's flavor, not for it's sugar content.
There isn't a consensus on how much you should eat per day, but I recommend that you use it as a substitute for junk food. If you feel the urge to eat an unhealthy snack, just grab a square of chocolate. Let it melt in your mouth and savor the flavor. You'll satisfy the urge to snack, and you'll be doing something good for your health, too.
Mike Ross is a certified trainer who studies all areas of senior fitness. His new book, The Balance Manual, lays out a series of senior balance exercises that can help seniors prevent falls and maintain independence.
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