The Benefits of Chocolate - Q&A with Bonnie

1) Does chocolate have a sufficient amount of antioxidants to prevent aging?

No - there are many more important considerations to slowing down the aging process.

2) Can chocolate be addictive?

Yes, because it boosts serotonin, the "feel good" hormone.

3) What is the best form and type of chocolate to eat (forms such in a cake, hot chocolate, candy bar, syrup, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate)?

Dark chocolate is by far the best - the more cocoa, the higher the antioxidant benefits.

4) Would you recommend people to eat chocolate to prevent diseases such as coronary heart disease?

No - there are many other "lower sugar" methods. But if an individual wants a healthy dessert or needs a daily chocolate "fix" to boost serotonin levels, I often do recommend dark chocolate.

5) Can eating chocolate alter a person's mood and make them feel better?

Yes - already mentioned. Chocolate also contains a lot of the important mineral magnesium, which is important for over 300 bodily functions. Magnesium is one of the most deficient nutrients for people living in the United States.

6) What are some disadvantages to eating chocolate?

Due to the high fat and sugar content of chocolate, too much will cause weight gain.

7) Is there a certain brand of chocolate that is better to eat then other brands?

The 65-70& cocoa brands are the best. The chocolate should also contain only all natural ingredients such as cocoa beans, sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin, and vanilla (not vanillin).

9) How much chocolate should a person consume over a period of time in order for it to be beneficial?

This is not how I would view the chocolate issue. I would say that other than fresh fruit, it is the best choice of a "sweet treat."

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