We have been told that candy, including chocolate is unhealthy. The truth is, in moderation, chocolate can actually be good for you.

Fact: Chocolate makes people feel good. “Theobromine” is a chemical found in chocolate, which stimulates endorphins. Releasing these chemicals in the brain creates a feeling of well being and gives us a pick-me-up.

Fact: Chocolate has far less caffeine than coffee, soda, or tea. If you worry about eating chocolate because it contains caffeine, you can stop worrying. An average cup of coffee contains about ten times the caffeine as an average chocolate candy bar.

Fact: Chocolate is lower in cholesterol than many other foods. A one-ounce piece of chocolate has about half the cholesterol of a one-ounce piece of cheddar cheese. Even better, chocolate may also help reduce “bad” cholesterol, because it contains one of the same substances as red wine (i.e. phenolics).

Fact: A chocolate bar is a good choice for dessert if you are concerned about sodium. Many types of cake contain over 100 milligrams of sodium in just a small slice, while an average milk chocolate candy bar contains about 40 milligrams.

Fact: Allergies to chocolate are actually quite rare. Allergies are more likely caused by nuts in chocolate candy, so choose chocolates without nuts, and read labels carefully to avoid allergic reactions.

Fact: Studies indicate that chocolate provides antioxidants. In fact, chocolate has more antioxidants (and less caffeine) than many types of tea.

Fact: Research also shows that chocolate is not the culprit behind acne. Food and diet may play little to no role in causing or aggravating acne, so go ahead and eat your chocolate!

By Sherry Holetzky