Justification for a Dark Chocolate Treat

Friday, January 28, 2005

ROCHESTER, Minn. — If you're giving chocolate on Valentine's Day, consider dark chocolate. It's better for your sweetie's heart health.

Chocolate contains flavonoids. These natural antioxidants — also found in tea, red wine and some fruits and vegetables — help limit the negative effects of lipoproteins, which are components of the "bad" cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Flavonoids may protect arteries and prevent heart disease, stroke and arteriosclerosis, a disease characterized by clogged arteries.

The darker the chocolate, the higher it's likely to be in flavonoids, according to the February issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. For example, a bar of dark chocolate contains an average of 53.5 milligrams of flavonoids. A milk chocolate bar contains less than 14 milligrams. White chocolate doesn't have any.

While dark chocolate may have some health benefits, it's best to keep it as an occasional treat. Flavonoids don't cancel out fat and calories.

Erik Kaldor — Jacksonville 904-953-2299
Lynn Closway — Scottsdale 480-301-4337

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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