Page 72 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2020

HEALTHY LIVING
THE TRUTH ABOUT
Brandy Westman, family nurse practitioner with the Merit Health Group, urges caution.
“Chocolate, especially milk chocolate, contains high amounts
of sugar and saturated fat which in large quantities can increase the risk for obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and poor dentition,” she said. “Dark chocolate is definitely better for us than milk chocolate. However, I believe everything in moderation for most individuals is acceptable, and having a ‘cheat day’ once per week and consuming a small amount of one’s preferred indulgence, (fries, chocolate, ice cream, etc.), helps prevent binge eating.”
She hastens to add, “It’s important to adhere to a healthy, balanced diet with appropriate portion control
of vegetables, lean meats and low
the week.”
Erin Quave, registered dietitian
with Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, says that both milk and dark chocolate contain phytonutrients, compounds from
plant-based foods that may provide health-enhancing benefits such as boosting immunity, slowing aging and preventing or reducing the risks of chronic disease. “However, the more processed the chocolate, such as white chocolate and especially Dutch process chocolate, the more phytonutrients are lost,” she adds. “Chocolate specifically contains a phytonutrient called flavanols that may offer some heart-health benefits according to recent research due to its significant antioxidant potential. Dark chocolate happens to contain more of these good-for- you compounds that are thought to help reduce inflammation.”
A small piece, or about one ounce, can be enjoyed every once in a while, Quave recommends. “Try
to aim for dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa to get these
experience and eat it mindfully.”
But she points out some drawbacks.
“Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains small amounts of caffeine so keep that in mind if you are sensitive to it. Chocolate may also trigger a flare up in gastroesophageal reflux disease if you are afflicted with that.
The most common pitfall of chocolate is that it’s typically high
in calories, added sugars and fats which can all add up quickly if
eaten in excess and could potentially crowd out other more nutritious foods if it replaces fruit – nature’s dessert – as part of a meal or snack.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the antioxidant flavanol contained in cocoa beans can reduce damaged cells that can lead to cancer. “The higher the cocoa content, greater than 70 percent, may reduce the risk of cancer forming cells, as well as lower
blood pressure and provide cardiac protective properties,” Westman said.
glycemic fruits the remainder of heart healthy benefits. Enjoy the
72 | February 2020 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Lynn Lofton
Chocolate is good. There’s no denying that, but is
it good for us? There is some information that it
is. Two local health care professionals shed some light on the subject.