Originally published July 21 2005
Healthy chocolate choices
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Although chocolate has been said to have some nutritional value -- for example, some claim real dark chocolate may be good for the heart -- the form it comes in makes all the difference, and Charles Stewart Platkin, the "Diet Detective" of Greenwich Time, offers tips on how to make healthy chocolate choices.
Chocolate's getting a lot of attention these days, from its heart-healthy claims (which are only for dark chocolate) and stress relief to a new film called "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Johnny Depp.
While M&Ms are slightly higher in calories (1.7 ounces, 240 calories), you also get a little more in the package.
M&Ms are 100 percent candy, bite-size pieces of milk chocolate covered in colored sugar.
Raisinets (1.58 ounces, 185 calories), however, could be considered a chocolate-coated health food.
Much like dark chocolate, raisins are packed with flavanols, the phytochemicals that give cocoa its health power.
Fit tip: In terms of chocolate candy, individual bags with tiny pieces seem to last longer than a chocolate bar and might, therefore, be your best bet.
Just be sure to eat those tiny chocolate pieces one at a time; don't empty the bag into your mouth all at once.
Just because it comes in a sporty little wrapper with a slogan about strength, speed, endurance and muscle mass doesn't mean a PowerBar isn't just a candy bar with extra protein, vitamins and minerals.
On the other hand, eating dark chocolate (Hershey's Special Dark) has heart-health benefits -- but you can get the same benefits from tea or wine.
The bottom line is that it's fine to want a snack, but at least be honest with yourself: These are both snacks.
For instance, a single Clif Builder's Chocolate Bar packs 270 calories, which is nearly equal to Snickers.
If you're looking for dark chocolate's antioxidant power, have a Dove Dark Chocolate Bar (1.3 ounces, 200 calories).
For the biggest antioxidant bang for your buck, go for Mars' CocoaVia (80 calories, www.cocoavia.com), which is tasty and has been scientifically designed to pack on the heart-healthy flavanols.
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