Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Dark Chocolate RULES!!!


I forget that chocolate is derived from a plant (the cacao plant).  It contains cell-protective phytochemicals, more commonly referred to as "antioxidants." Researchers have discovered that a standard dark chocolate candy bar contains about twice as much antioxidants as a glass of red wine. This is great news!!!
Chocolate contains a surprisingly big quantity of heart-protective antioxidants, most notably plant phenols, procyanidins and catechins. In recent studies, these compounds have been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol, reduce blood clots that can cause heart attacks & strokes and may even lower blood pressure. As an added bonus, the phytochemicals in chocolate may also prevent cancer.

Here's a link to Hershey's research: http://www.hersheys.com/nutrition/antioxidants.asp
Data from the recent study sponsored by The Hershey Company and previous data from USDA and others indicate that dark chocolate is one of the most concentrated sources of flavanol antioxidants among plant foods. The antioxidant capacity of 1 serving of HERSHEY'S EXTRA DARK dark chocolate (37g) is equal to 3 cups of tea, 2 glasses of red wine or 1 1/3 cups of blueberries.  Hip Hip HOORAY!!!

2 comments:

  1. just trying to post a comment

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  2. And here's where all the good news always lets me down...One serving is never enough :(
    Todo en la moderacion.

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