September 24th, 2008 
Von by Tyrone M. Reyes, M.D.
Is there a health benefit to that Valentine chocolate treat?
Mounting evidence has indicated so, linking certain forms of chocolate to improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, enhanced glucose tolerance, and even stronger teeth. Candy-makers, as well as “health-oriented” companies, have even developed chocolate products they claim are good for you.
But not so fast, says Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University’s Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) in Boston. He cautions that not all forms of chocolate have health benefits. Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 percent has been shown to be most beneficial. And although Blumberg acknowledges the growing number of chocolate studies, and has participated in research that shows some healthful benefits of cocoa in the diet, he warns that it’s still important to consume the confection in moderation. (more…)
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