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Chocolate...a Health Food?

How many times have you heard that chocolate is bad for you? You may even be trying to avoid chocolate to stay healthy. Chances are though, that you love chocolate -- most people do -- and you may even crave it.

But is chocolate really as bad for you as everyone thinks?

Chocolate contains antioxidants -- which may reduce the rate of heart disease. A recent study at Harvard University showed that men who ate chocolate and candy at least three times a week lived nearly a year longer that men who didn't. The researchers think this is because of the antioxidants found in the chocolate.

If you're a chocolate lover -- this is great news!

In fact, one and a half ounces of chocolate contains the same amount of good antioxidants as five ounces of red wine. And antioxidants aren't the only good thing found in chocolate.

Iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium are important minerals found in chocolate. Iron helps to build new red blood cells, calcium helps our bones to stay strong, and magnesium can help with the symptoms of PMS including bloating, headaches and mood swings.

The small amount of caffeine found in chocolate can give you a boost to help you through your day. Both mental and physical performance can be enhanced by chocolate. One study even found that people drove more safely after eating chocolate!

Chocolate can even be effective in treating depression. Serotonin is a chemical found in our brains. When people are depressed their levels of serotonin are lower than normal. Chocolate contains serotonin, so when we eat chocolate it can make us feel better.

People who suffer from migraines are often told to avoid chocolate -- it was believed that chocolate was a trigger that could lead to a migraine. But new research suggests that this may not be true. When 63 women with histories of migraines were given chocolate, only three developed a headache. This probably is good news for migraine sufferers who enjoy chocolate.

So what does all of this mean?

Well, chocolate may not be bad for you at all -- in fact, it may even be beneficial to your health. But as with most things, a little goes a long way. Chocolate does contain a lot of fat and fat is a definite no-no for someone with heart disease risk factors.

And remember -- chocolate isn't the only thing offering these benefits. Fruits, vegetables and starches also release serotonin and good antioxidants are found in a number of other foods.

Besides, the high that you get from eating chocolate is very similar to the boost you get after exercising.

So indulging in a moderate amount of chocolate along with a healthy and active lifestyle can contribute to your better health.

Care to pass that Snickers bar?

NOVARTIS: Short

Chocolate...a Health Food?

How many times have you heard that chocolate is bad for you? You may even be trying to avoid chocolate to stay healthy. Chances are though, that you love chocolate -- most people do -- and you may even crave it.

But is chocolate really as bad for you as everyone thinks?

Chocolate contains antioxidants -- which may reduce the rate of heart disease. A recent study at Harvard University showed that men who ate chocolate and candy at least three times a week lived nearly a year longer that men who didn't. The researchers think this is because of the antioxidants found in the chocolate.

If you're a chocolate lover -- this is great news!

To find out more about the benefits of chocolate click here.