Who's Your Audience

I always keep a jar full of chocolate in my office. The reason? That's easy! It welcomes coworkers to take a stress break, promotes teamwork, and is good for their health. Yes, that's what I said...chocolate—at least dark chocolate—is a healthy food!

In 2005, The Mayo Clinic published an article in its health newsletter regarding the benefits of dark chocolate. Since then, many reputable medical journals have jumped on the bandwagon touting the consumption of dark chocolate on a weekly, if not daily basis.

I personally keep a selection of Hershey's Special Dark at my disposal on most days. This version of dark chocolate is made from cocoa butter, not palm or coconut oil. Cocoa butter contains saturated fat but it has a neutral effect on cholesterol. The saturated fat in palm and coconut oil negatively affect cholesterol levels. Hershey's also does not contain hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenation converts liquid vegetable oil into solid fat which is easier to use for baking and other purposes. Have you ever heard of trans fats? That is the common term for hydrogenated oil and, when consumed in large quantities, can increase cholesterol. High cholesterol leads to heart disease which, as we all know, can lead to stroke, heart attack, and even that looming date with the grim reaper that you've been dreading!

The darker the chocolate, the better it is for you. Flavinoids contribute to the color of chocolate. These are antioxidants that can decrease bad cholesterol, reduce risk of blood clots, increase blood flow, and improve your mood, among other benefits. Sure you can get your flavinoids from green tea and red wine but why not increase your endorphin levels with a sweet treat? Just don't go mixing red wine with dark chocolate. Both contain tyramine, a chemical known for its migraine-inducing effects. I know from personal experience that this can occur.

Now that you know it's a go when it comes to eating chocolate, I bet you are wanting to run out and buy yourself a big fat candy bar! HOLD ON A MINUTE! Try to keep your daily chocolate fix to a minimum. In fact, one Hershey's Special Dark miniature is about the equivalent of a daily recommended dose. And in this world of morbidly obese people exploiting themselves on television via "The Biggest Loser," do you really need that much more anyway?

And another thing...this is NOT an endorsement for Hershey's and they haven't paid me to write this (I wish). I just know what I enjoy and want to share the wealth. Now, go out there and buy yourself a bag!!