Is Your Valentine's Day Chocolate Healthy?

Valentine's Day has arrived, which means those boxes of chocolates, chocolate covered fruit and other sweet treats will be hard to avoid. 

However, chocolate's reputation is on the rise. Recent studies have suggested limited consumption of chocolate can provide health benefits. Is your Valentine's Day chocolate a healthy indulgence or is this an age-old myth?

Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate typically contains sugar, milk, cocoa solids and cocoa butter. While a good source of calcium and potassium, milk chocolate contains more fat and sugar than dark chocolate. Eat in limited amounts.

White Chocolate

White chocolate contains the least nutritional value. In fact, most white chocolate doesn't really contain chocolate or cocoa. Made up of milk, sugar and very small quantities of cocoa butter, white chocolate has very little nutritional value and should be avoided or eaten in limited amounts.

Dark Chocolate

When it comes to chocolate, the darker the better. Dark chocolate usually contains 45 to 85% cocoa solids with the higher percentages providing the most health benefits. Because dark chocolate is the least processed chocolate, it's considered the most nutritious of all chocolates. It is rich in antioxidants, provides cardiovascular benefits through reduced inflammation, and improves cognitive function and mood. Dark chocolate can be eaten in small amounts daily. 

Tips for healthy dark chocolate consumption:

• Limit to 1 ounce a day.
• Consume dark chocolate after a meal to avoid overindulging.
• To satisfy a sweet tooth craving, have a piece of fruit with dark chocolate.
• Take your time when eating dark chocolate. Eat it slowly, and be mindful so you fully enjoy the flavors.

There are potential health benefits to consuming cocoa. But chocolate, whether your choice is dark, milk, or white, all are relatively high in calories and added sugar. Chocolate should be enjoyed in moderation, as excessive intake could lead to weight gain, putting an individual at risk for becoming overweight or obese.