Dark chocolate benefits

Lots and lots of news about the benefits of chocolate. Tragically, it refers to the dark version, which I can't say I particularly like.

Shape, December 2007, p 154

whine "I can't survive without something sweet every day."

Shape's response: Have an ounce of dark chocolate, which as just 150 calories, instead of your typical treat. "It's practically a health food," says Katz. Several studies have found that its flavonoids - a type of antioxidant - can lower blood pressure and improve circulation, two factors that may protect against heart disease. Dark chocolate offers about twice as many antioxidants and mil varieties - just an ounce boasts more of these disease-fighting compounds than 1 ½ cups of blueberries (one of the most antioxidant-rich foods), according to a USDA analysis. But pure chocolate is the way to go: chocolate desserts like brownies and chocolate chip cookies may contain dark chocolate, but they're also loaded with butter and sugar, so they aren't the healthiest way to get your antioxidants, says Katz.

At the supermarket, look for a chocolate bar made with at least 60 percent cacao - the higher the percentage, the less added sugar it contains. Don't like dark chocolate? You can get similar benefits from hot cocoa. Use natural cocoa; Dutch processed version (which will say " cocoa processed with alkali" on the ingredients list) have fewer flavonoids.