Candy – Good For You?

I Love Chocolate!

Actually there are now studies out that suggest eating chocolate might be good for you. From what I’ve read, though, they are talking about the dark chocolate, not the good, creamy, rich milk chocolate we have all grown to love.

OK. I’m sure now you’ve run to the kitchen and picked up a Snickers to eat while you finish this chapter.

Actually, here are a few facts from the ADA about chocolate.

* Chocolate and fat

Chocolate contributes less than two percent of the fat in the American diet. The main sources of fat are meat, full-fat dairy products, and fried foods.

* Chocolate and saturated fats

While chocolate contains some saturated fats, studies have shown that not all types of saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels. For example, stearic acid is a saturated fat that makes up one-third of the fat in chocolate. Stearic acid does not raise blood cholesterol levels. In addition, oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil, makes up one-third of the fat in chocolate. Eating foods with oleic acid as part of a healthful eating plan has been shown to be beneficial for heart health.

* Chocolate and obesity

Obesity is a disease in which a person has an excessive amount of body fat. Most often it is caused by regularly taking in more calories than burned off with physical activity. Obese people often eat the same amount or fewer sweets, including chocolate, than people who are not obese. Obesity can also stem from genetic or hormonal disorders, or from taking some types of medications for a long period of time.

* Chocolate and polyphenols

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans which come from the cocoa tree Theobromacacao. As a result, chocolate contains many of the same healthy compounds from plants, including minerals (copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium) and specific antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols, like those found in tea and red wine are currently being studied for their potential health benefits.

* Chocolate and health — the bottom line

Remember that chocolate can fit into a healthful eating pattern. Be sure to eat a variety of foods. Enjoy chocolate in moderation to add flavor and pleasure to eating.

So hey, the good news seems to be we can eat chocolate in moderate amounts. Here’s a tip I started doing that helped me cut down on my chocolate but allowed me to eat it guilt free.

I only allow myself to eat chocolate on the days I run. That’s it (except for over the holidays – I do cheat some also, you know)

How about just candy?

Depends on the candy. Most are definitely high in sugar content and you’re probably better off avoiding them. But again . . . moderation is the key.

http://exercise-digest.com