Don't Forget the Calories!

No matter how you slice it, or eat it as it were, most chocolate products come with lots of calories. Don't use chocolate's "heart healthy" reputation as a license to overeat. Moderation always has a place. Eating too much of anything can contribute to obesity.

If you love milk chocolate, enjoy it in small quantities that will satisfy your craving without breaking your calorie bank. You won't reap any heart health benefits because they've been processed out. But if it makes you happy and you're able to keep your portions under control, then by all means chocolate can be a healthy pleasure.

If you prefer dark chocolate, even though you may be consuming heart healthy flavanols, you are still taking in calories from sugar and fat. Too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing and in fact can result in the opposite effect, weight gain and cardiovascular risk.

Bottom-line, chocolate isn't exactly a health food although some it's naturally occurring compounds are promising. Enjoy it in moderation and you will reap a balanced benefit.