A study was recently released suggesting that dark chocolate can help to reduce cholesterol in diabetics! Whoo hoo! Here's the article summarizing some of the benefits of chocolate.
http://www.drcutler.com/cholesterol/dark-chocolate-may-help-lower-cholesterol-in-diabetics-800137266/
Note in the article, however, researchers are still weighing the evidence about whether or not the fat and sugar in chocolate the way we like to eat it outweighs some of these benefits.
You can't binge on it or replace other foods with it…chocolate should be a component of a healthy, balanced diet.
Here are my five favorite ways to include chocolate in ways that reduce the downsides.
1. Used in mole sauce. Mole sauce is a complex Mexican delicacy made from a combination of cocoa and other spices such as cinnamon. It's not something you'll find in your average Tex-Mex restaurant, but look for it in more upscale venues like our own local (James Beard nominated) Barrio Cafe, often with chicken or turkey.
2. In hot chocolate. Cocoa powder (undutched) in lowfat milk is always a great bedtime treat! I kind of like the Abuelita brand Mexican hot chocolate because it too has the cinnamon touch.
3. In chocolate milk. Remember, women who have one fat-containing source of dairy per day are more fertile than women who do not. Chocolate milk is a double whammy of goodness!
4. As cacao nibs, in your morning oatmeal. Cacao nibs are the dried cacao seed, from which chocolate is derived. You can buy them in stores like Whole Foods and they're a great way to flavor your breakfast.
5. As cacao nibs, in your afternoon trail mix. Frequent a store with bulk food bins and create your own concoction of cacao, healthy nuts, a little bit of dried fruit…and voila! You've got something to nibble on when the afternoon munchies hit.
Chocolate galore…and no candy bar in sight. Enjoy!