We all love chocolate candy, but as we grow older some of us
begin to consider it a forbidden fruit. How did something that
ancient civilizations considered the food of the gods become
so riddled with controversy today?
In this day of saturated versus unsaturated fats and monitoring
cholesterol levels, chocolate candy has taken a bad wrap. A
little research into the notional value of chocolate brings some
revelations over which candy lovers everywhere can rejoice -
chocolate can be good for us!
Chocolate candy does not raise the bad cholesterol (LDL) as
other saturated fats do. It also contains antioxidants, the same
types of antioxidants found in a glass of red wine. Antioxidants
improve & strengthen your immune system. They are thought to
help prevent stroke, heart disease and cancer. And if that
wasn't enough many more health benefits are contributed to
antioxidants including slowing the aging process & the visible
signs of aging. The darker and more pure forms of chocolate
contain the most antioxidants.
Chocolate candy does not contain as much caffeine as you might
think either. An average serving of chocolate
candy has far less caffeine
than a cup of coffee.
I bet you didn't know that chocolate is a rich source of
phosphorus and magnesium too. The benefits of each are well
documented. Magnesium helps to maintain muscle and nerve
function, is good for strong bones, and supports a healthy
immune system and more. Phosphorus is important for bone and
teeth formation in children and for works with calcium to keep
bones strong and healthy for us throughout our lives.
Some ingredients in chocolate can even trigger happy feelings in
our brain. What better choice could there possibly be for an
afternoon pick me up?
Children from 1 to 100 love candy. Remember the joy when you
poured your trick or treating loot out onto the floor to behold
it in all its glory? There before your eyes, laid the candy
cane, candy bar,
chocolate
candy, and sweet candy of all types. If you had a health
conscious neighbor, you might even have some sugar free candy to
try. And guess what? It tasted just as fantastic as the rest of
your loot.
Reminisce a bit today and enjoy some chocolate. Don't wait only
for holidays or special occasions to enjoy chocolate candy. Lose
the guilt; after all, chocolate in moderation is good for you!
About the author:
Natalie writes about family, children, health and
nutrition.
