_It is a scientifically proven fact: eating chocolate  (in moderation of course) can make you live longer! A few pieces of chocolate every month may increase longevity according to the Harvard School of Public Health**.

Every year, Americans consume more than 3 billion pounds of chocolate, an average of 12 lbs per person, placing the United States ahead of France...  If you fit the profile and eat about a pound of chocolate a month, (or do you peak  during the holidays? hummm...) and you are neither a diabetic nor prone to diabetes, you may be surprised to learn that your health may actually benefit from increasing your consumption!

First of all, don't worry about acne, there is no scientific proof that links it to chocolate.  Secondly, research seems to indicate that the antioxidants in cocoa reduce the risk of heart disease, one of the deadliest killers in America. Even more impressive: Epicatechin, an antioxidant found in cocoa, (and in green tea) has been shown to inhibit the formation of benign skin tumors in mice. In fact, cocoa contains flavonoids (plant nutrients) . Flavonoids can trigger enzymes that reduce the risk of certain cancers. Great, you'll say.  All nice and dandy. But what about tooth decay? Nope: an anti-bacterial agent that inhibits plaque formation has been found in chocolate. Migraines? Chocolate doesn't trigger them. That would be PMS and stress, which actually call for chocolate (as in craving).

Now obviously, if you are allergic to chocolate or to some of the ingredients commonly used in its confection, you probably are not interested to learn about its health benefits. But maybe you  happen to be lactose intolerant and would like to hear about milk? As it happens, chocolate may improve your ability to digest milk by stimulating the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
 
Still feeling guilty about eating chocolate? Just remind yourself: obesity is not a major concern in Switzerland where yearly consumption averages 23 lbs per person....
So let's catch up and enjoy some chocolate!!

**A survey of healthy 65-year-old men revealed that those who ate sweets containing chocolate reportedly lived longer. Mortality was lowest among those consuming chocolate 1-3 times a month and higher among those who indulged in the habit 3 or more times a week. Surprisingly non-consumers had the highest mortality of all. As with most things in life, moderation seems to be paramount. Chocolate is considered a major source of dietary copper, which is required for a healthy lifestyle. Cocoa and chocolate are also rich in minerals, such as magnesium and iron. Chocolate is a short term source for energy due to antioxidants and phenolics it contains. This energy source was even utilized by soldiers during heavy combat situations. A 40 gram chocolate bar contains the same amount of phenol as a glass of red wine and can be a positive source of dietary antioxidants. These anti-oxidants have been proven to reduce the risk of developing cancer or heart disease.
Source: The World of Atlas Chocolate
 


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