{"id":123,"date":"2018-04-24T02:39:18","date_gmt":"2018-04-24T02:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/foodfallacies\/?p=123"},"modified":"2018-04-24T02:40:12","modified_gmt":"2018-04-24T02:40:12","slug":"123","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uww.edu\/foodfallacies\/2018\/04\/24\/123\/","title":{"rendered":"Eat Chocolate!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Admit it, you really like chocolate (more like love it). Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re not alone. It is estimated that in the U.S., approximately 1 billion people eat chocolate every day. Chances are, most of those people feel a little bit of guilt after eating it, I know I do. But thanks to recent studies, we can lose some of that guilt without losing the chocolate. New research suggests that chocolate can actually be part of a healthy diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rumor that dark chocolate is more beneficial than milk chocolate is correct (sorry milk chocolate lovers). But here are some common fallacies (and guilty thoughts) that are often attached to chocolate, and aren\u2019t true. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Fallacy 1: Chocolate has no nutritional value.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, chocolate provides magnesium (which is crucial for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, energy production, nutrient metabolism, and bone and cell formation), copper, iron, and zinc. It also contains antioxidants called polyphenols that are said to help decrease the risk of coronary disease. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate, and studies show that it can help to lower blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fallacy 2: Chocolate is a key player in weight gain.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The key to a healthy diet is to consume food in moderation. Most foods (not including fruits and vegetables) has the potential to lead to weight gain. Because the average chocolate bar contains only 200 calories, it is okay to have one and still be on a weight-friendly diet. In fact, if you have the occasional chocolate bar could help you from binging when you\u2019re feeling deprived of chocolate. Binging on chocolate is what plays a role in weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fallacy 3: Chocolate contains high levels of saturated fat and is bad for your cholesterol.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Studies show that chocolate doesn\u2019t raise your cholesterol in the same way that other types of saturated fats do. Your body contains \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol (LDL) and \u201cgood\u201d cholesterol (HDL). Eating milk chocolate can actually increase your HDL cholesterol levels, helping your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fallacy 4: Chocolate causes headaches.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

For some, chocolate has potential to be a trigger for headaches and migraines. However, chocolate itself is not a main cause of headaches. \u00a0A study done by the University of Pittsburgh shows that there is no direct link between the two.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You heard it here chocolate lovers! Don\u2019t be afraid to splurge on that chocolate bar every once in awhile. Just remember that just like many other foods, moderation is everything. Consuming chocolate here and there won\u2019t ruin your balanced diet. <\/span><\/p>\n