Women (and men) across the world want to know - are there any health benefits to eating chocolate? Extremely popular with people across the world, chocolate is creamy, decadent, and easily mixed into milk and made into hot chocolate easily. In fact, it is one of the world's most popular foods. When research came out that chocolate may actually be good for you, consumers rushed to find out more. It turns out that the type and amount that you consume is critical in deciding overall health benefits.

Health Benefits

Chocolate is derived from the cocoa bean. Cocoa beans are known for having high levels of flavanols and antioxidants. Flavanols are known for being able to fight free radical damage from outside sources like pollution, certain diseases, and bad nutrition. Flavanols also help to improve vascular health by lowering blood pressure, promoting blood flow to the brain, and improving overall circulation in the body. Antioxidants also help to protect the body from free radical damage from environmental pollutants. It is important to note that cocoa beans and chocolate are not the only source of antioxidants and flavanols for our diets. Many fruits and vegetables also contain high levels of each.

Choose Wisely

When eating chocolate for good health, it is also important to remember that the type and quantity of chocolate you are eating is very important. Chocolate laced with high fat additives and lots of sugar is not necessarily good for you. The best choice seems to come from dark chocolate that is minimally processed by manufacturers. White chocolate and milk chocolate can contain high levels of sugar and added fats that hinder the good nutritional benefits of eating chocolate.

Eating small amounts is also important. One ounce a few times a week seems to be the optimal amount to achieving health benefits. Scientists and nutritionists seem to be encouraged that drinking a glass of red wine with one ounce of dark chocolate a few times a week can help you reach optimum health benefits from each.

However you choose to eat chocolate, it is important to remember that dark chocolate that is minimally processed is the best choice if you want to get the most health benefits. Dark chocolate does not loose the high levels of flavanols or antioxidants that can improve health and reduce overall damage to the body from outside toxins in the environment. What's your favorite way to eat chocolate?