02/12/07

On Valentine’s Day, a Gift From the Heart That Helps the Heart

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 12, 2007

Media contacts:  Jennifer Starkey, Carly Armstrong   
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4861
media@eatright.org

CHICAGO – For Valentine’s Day, give flowers to someone you like — but give chocolate to someone you love, according to the food and nutrition experts of the American Dietetic Association.

“Not only will your Valentine think the chocolate is a sweet gift, eaten in moderation it also can be a healthful treat,” says registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Suzanne Farrell.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed ingredients in certain types of chocolate can offer health benefits. “One of the primary benefits of chocolate is the antioxidants, particularly the flavinols that may contribute to heart health,” Farrell says. “These are some of the same compounds that are found in red wine and tea.

“Antioxidants are also responsible for preventing cholesterol from sticking to your artery walls, a cause of heart attack and stroke,” Farrell says.

“The darker the chocolate, the better it is for your body.”

In addition, some types of chocolate are now enriched with plant sterols, which have been shown to reduce a person’s risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Some other health advantages of chocolate include:

  • Chocolate contains a type of oil that has been shown to maintain heart health.
  • Certain chemicals can be found in chocolate that decrease the risk of sugar damage to teeth.
  • The fat in chocolate does not appear to increase blood cholesterol levels.

“Chocolate must be consumed in moderation,” says Farrell. “Chocolate is not ‘health food.’

“As a high-calorie treat, it often leaves you feeling full, so make sure it is not replacing other items that have higher nutritional value.”

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

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