Several research reports - mostly sponsored by candy companies, as it turns out - have suggested that chocolate may be heart healthy. Researchers have pointed out that chocolate contains flavenoids, substances that can reduce one's risk of coronary artery disease.
But now, not exactly coincidentally, somewhat more independent researchers remind us that chocolate, while it does contain small amounts of flavenoids, is absolutely loaded with saturated fats (the bad kind) and sugars, and that when you eat chocolate your cholesterol goes up, not down. A few flavenoids do not alter the fact that chocolate tends to make us fat, and can increase our risk for heart disease.
Happy Valentine's Day.
