The Chocolate Prescription - Diane Gross, L.Ac.

My patients are sometimes surprised when I tell them that a little dark chocolate might be good for them to add to their diet. Most people think of chocolate as the epitome of junk food. Actually, dark chocolate can provide some significant, proven health benefits.

Dark chocolate (I usually recommend at least 65% organic dark chocolate) is chock full of flavonoids which are natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help slow down the aging process, as well as reduce damaging free radicals that can lead to various diseases, including heart disease. Additionally, Flavonoids help lower ‘bad cholesterol, and along with cocoa phenols, can assist in reducing blood pressure.

Dark chocolate is also great for when you are feeling ‘down in the dumps’ or depressed. It stimulates a variety of ‘feel good’ chemicals and hormones that help elevate mood. It actually helps to change brain chemistry. Benefits can be seen within a few minutes to a few days, depending on the severity of the depression.

So how much is beneficial to eat? And is milk chocolate just as good? Studies indicate we only need a small amount of dark chocolate a day to reap the benefits for cardiovascular health. My experience with patients is that a little dark chocolate can work remarkably fast. It is important to eat only a little dark chocolate. More is not better. Even dark chocolate is high in calories and fat. Too much can lead to weight gain and other complications. Chocolate also has some mild stimulants that are not helpful in large amounts. Milk chocolate does not have the same health benefits as dark chocolate and is often higher in fat and sugar content.