Wouldn’t it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand-in-hand?
You might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t as bad as it was once thought. The fat content in chocolate, derived from cocoa butter contained in premium grade dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. However, stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat, which are not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease.
Even though chocolate is not 100% heart healthy, in moderation it may not be harmful to your heart in small quantities for a special occasion. However, be sure to watch those calories and speak with your physician or dietician before adding new foods or sweets to your diet.
