Chocolate
Chocolate has recently become the subject of rigorous scientific research. Antioxidants called ‘flavonoids’ have been found in chocolate and eating foods containing antioxidants has been found to provide health benefits. Research on antioxidants in chocolate has led to many positive claims being made about this beloved treat (especially dark chocolate). But as with all high kilojoule and high saturated fat foods, this treat should only be enjoyed on occasions.
The antioxidants in chocolate are present in the cocoa powder. Research has shown that these antioxidants may have a positive impact on heart disease risk factors. For many of us, block chocolate is our passion. Both dairy milk and dark chocolate contain cocoa butter and sugar. The cocoa butter is very high in fat (in particular, saturated fat) and in combination with the sugar, gives block chocolate its well-deserved reputation as a high kilojoule (KJ) food. Compound chocolate, which is often used in baked products, mixes the cocoa with vegetable fats rather than cocoa butter making it less heart health friendly. White block chocolate does not contain the cocoa powder or antioxidants.
Although chocolate may contain some antioxidants, there are other foods and drinks that are better sources of antioxidants for heart health that don’t contain the added kilojoules and unhealthy fats.
The Heart Foundation recommends that Australian adults do not consume chocolate to prevent or treat heart disease. Instead, they recommend that to obtain antioxidants in the diet, Australian adults should consume at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. Black or green tea and cocoa made from raw cocoa powder (as most commercial cocoa and chocolate will be poor sources of antioxidants) can also be included in a balanced diet 1.
Despite chocolate being a high fat, high kilojoule food, the good thing to know is that eating small amounts of chocolate can be consistent with a healthy diet. If you keep active and eat a balanced diet, then a small amount of chocolate every now and again can still be enjoyed.
It is important to remember that antioxidants are present in all plant food including chocolate. A diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts and wholegrain cereals is the best way to give your body the antioxidants it needs to stay healthy.
For individual advice about chocolate and ways to increase antioxidants in your diet, contact an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).
1 The Heart Foundation 2010, Heart Foundation Position Statement Antioxidants in food, drinks and supplements for cardiovascular health, viewed 13 May 2010.
