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July 8–15, 2005 Listen to the message
Chocolate: The Next Health Food?
Chocolate: The food that people hate to love and love to hate. It’s so good, but it’s so bad for you. Or is it?
Recent studies have found that substances found in chocolate known as flavonoids can stimulate the immune system, impede cancer cell growth, and protect against bacteria and viruses, among other things.
Who would have guessed?
Actually, health claims for chocolate date back to the ancient Mayans, who used cacao to treat skin diseases, fevers, and seizures.
So, does this change everything? Am I recommending a Willy Wonka chocolate diet? Sorry, Charlie, I’m not.
Only certain types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, contain enough flavonoids to be beneficial, and many chocolate products are extremely high in sugar and fat.
So you still need to stick to that balanced diet featuring lots of fruits and vegetables.
But at least you don’t have to feel so bad about dessert!
