Healthy living
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Healthy chocolate - or wishful thinking?
Is guilt-free chocolate finally here? The Queen's chocolatiers, Prestat, are marketing their latest chocolate bar as a genuinely healthy indulgence
The new bars, called Choxi , are extra rich in antioxidants - naturally occurring compounds that protect against a whole host of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. The makers claim that just two squares of Choxi will provide you with enough antioxidants for a whole day.
It has long been known that cocoa, one of the main ingredients of chocolate, is a rich source of powerful antioxidants called flavonoids. It is thought they help the body get rid of unwanted chemicals, including some that may contribute to causing cancer. Flavonoids have also been shown to help maintain cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels dilated and pliable, cutting the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The antioxidant powers of the cocoa bean, however, are often lost in the conventional chocolate-making process that involves heating the beans to extremely high temperatures. Prestat say that because they use a gentler cooking method, their new bar retains up to three times more antioxidants than ordinary chocolate. In tests, the dark chocolate variety was found to contain more flavanol antioxidants than any other food. In fact, you would have to eat a whole pound of Brussels sprouts to match the amount of flavonoids found in just 10g of dark Choxi .
So is Choxi a chocoholic's dream? Unfortunately not quite...
"Chocolate is still high in fat and sugar, even this so-called healthy bar, and should still be eaten in moderation," says Jill Johnson, senior dietician at University Hospital Birmingham. "This chocolate bar is being marketed as healthy because it's high in antioxidants but its high saturated fat content means it undoes a lot of its own good work. It's still highly calorific – eat too much and you'll pile on the pounds, no matter how rich in antioxidants it is."
However, it is generally agreed that as long as we stick to a balanced diet we can give way to the odd indulgence;
"The safest way to enjoy chocolate is to have a few squares after a meal," says Johnson. "The sugar in chocolate triggers an insulin response, causing peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels. Eating it after a meal will minimise the sugar rush. Denying yourself completely isn't often realistic as you end up giving into cravings then going mad on it."
Useful articles
- Why fighting thoughts of chocolate makes you want it more
- Mayan medicine: can chocolate be good for you?
- Understanding antioxidants
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
