Healthy Food

By Kathleen Hoagland

When looking for good, healthy chocolate look for a dark chocolate product with the following components:

- Has not been alkalized
- Has been cold pressed
- Contains at least 70% pure cocoa
- Contains cocoa butter instead of milk fat or any oils
- Contains natural low glycemic sugars such as stevia or raw cane sugar

One must do their research as this is a very "hot" item (pardon the pun) that everyone is trying to get on the band wagon with. There are many chocolate companies touting the benefits of dark chocolate and the general public does not take the time to read up or research the facts. The fact plain and simple is do not eat the chocolate sold in the local stores that contain all the milk fats and sugar. You are doing nothing but setting yourself up for failure. If you find dark chocolate with the above criteria, then go for it.

I have also read that dark chocolate has been showing that it can be beneficial in many areas such as reducing inflammation, diabetes, anti-aging, memory, brain health, weight loss, and even areas of your oral health.

One of the areas I was amazed is that there is a component in chocolate called poly phenols that actually help reduce tooth decay and plague on your teeth. Wow that was too good to believe you can eat dark, healthy chocolate and it helps your teeth to be healthier. As with any food item, you want to consume it in moderation. Even though you love something and it can be good for you also, you do not want to go overboard with eating it.