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Chocolate: A Not-So-Guilty Pleasure

A Love Affair with Good Reason

-- By Rebecca Pratt, Staff Writer
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For years, you’ve tried to break it off. You’re certain this relationship is wrong, even sinful. But try as you might, you just can’t end it—your willpower inevitably crumbles, and you always go back for more.

We’re talking of course about your love affair with CHOCOLATE— that dark seducer even more likely to attract as you're surrounded by heart-shaped displays. Long thought to be an aphrodisiac, chocolate has been inextricably linked to Cupid and lovers since it was discovered among the ancient Aztecs and carried to the Old World.

The New World likes it too: the United States is the top importer of cocoa beans, averaging 559,600 metric tons of cocoa beans or cocoa products each year between 1993 and 1997—almost one-quarter of the world's cocoa! While 75% of chocolate purchases are made by women, the tables are turned during the days and minutes before Valentine's Day. $1 billion worth of chocolate is sold for this holiday—75% of it purchased by men.

But, whether you’re the giver or receiver, just how sinful is chocolate? The Aztecs and their neighbors, the Mayans, believed chocolate transmitted knowledge and power to those who consumed it. While there’s no evidence to support that idea, there is mounting evidence showing some health benefits to eating it in moderation. Studies have found that dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease and cancer, and has also been shown to improve mood by boosting the brain chemical serotonin. Some even consider chocolate an effective diet food, claiming that a chunk of chocolate before meals diminishes your appetite.

Made up of about 300 chemicals—some of which in theory have mood-altering effects – chocolate contains negligible amounts of the stimulant caffeine, as well as theobromine (which stimulates the heart and the nervous system) and phenyethylamine (an amphetamine-like substance said to simulate the feeling of falling in love). A University of Michigan study says chocolate causes the brain to release b-endorphin, a naturally occurring chemical similar to opium, which dulls pain and increases your sense of well-being.

Chocolate contains a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals that the body needs, including potassium, sodium, iron, fluorine and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. In fact, researchers at Harvard University believe chocolate may help people live longer! A study tracking older men found that those who ate chocolate lived almost a year longer than those who didn't.

Researchers believe this has something to do with the fact that chocolate contains flavonoids(compounds that may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer while slowing the aging process) and stearic acid, a heart-friendly fatty acid that doesn’t promote cholesterol increases.

But a University of Pennsylvania study testing so-called chocoholics found that the cravings may not lie in chemistry at all, but the melt-in-your-mouth texture of chocolate. Subjects in the study were found to prefer chocolate bars, even white chocolate bars which didn't actually contain any chocolate at all, over capsules of cocoa powder full of chocolate's active ingredients.

The bottom line: Chocolate may be getting a bad rap as a sinful food. On the other hand—as always—moderation may be the key. If you simply must indulge, here are some tips for controlling your chocolate cravings and consumption:

  • Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Studies based on dark chocolate tend to show benefits that milk chocolate does not.
  • Partner your chocolate with nutrient-rich foods, like chocolate covered strawberries, apple slices or bananas. Add a few chocolate chips in your berry-nut trail mix. Try a refreshing glass of chocolate-flavored milk or soymilk.
  • Buy smaller sizes of chocolate bars or hot fudge sundaes, since research shows you tend to eat the entire amount you’re served.
  • Order fruit for dessert, with a small chocolate truffle on the side.
  • Savor, don’t chew, your chocolate. Sit down, take your time, and focus on the taste in your mouth. Enjoy it thoroughly. If you pop it in your mouth while you are driving, watching TV, or talking on the phone, you’re likely to keep reaching for more.
  • Give in to your chocolate cravings! Every try to stifle a craving by eating something else? You usually just end up eating more and more foods, eventually giving in to your original desire anyway. Save yourself the calories and the torment! A small portion may be all you need for satisfaction.
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About The Author

Rebecca Pratt Rebecca Pratt
A freelance writer who contributes to various newspapers and magazines, Becky loves covering ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Member Comments

  • JULIA1154
    Please, Spark People, could we avoid the concept of "GUILTY" pleasures, etc., etc.?

    My nutrition is lifestyle based - I'm not into a 'diet' mentality and Sparks actively encourages us to embrace a healthy lifestyle rather than a diet. It would be great if this message were consistent through out all the site's messaging. - 7/31/2012 6:07:43 PM
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  • DESIDERATA~GIRL
    I couldnt control myself before with junk food and 'treats', so in the end just eliminated them from my diet / eating habits in total. I do think chocolate has some benefits but then again it is mostly sugar. I was surprised when one of my ex boyfriends put dark chocolate in his porridge because he was a super healthy personal trainer, run 25 miles a week kind of guy, which made me think a bit of it and now again is good. I just dont want a little bit to turn into a lot every day! I think next time I have oats, I might add one square of dark chocolate. I will savour and enjoy it but not see it as a sin to eat or as a treat cause it might then become a comfort food when I.m down! - 7/31/2012 11:57:10 AM
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  • KGWINDER
    I dislike the poll, because it doesn't leave the option for us that don't like chocolate - it gives me terrible headaches. I've never been drawn to it. - 7/31/2012 11:04:56 AM
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  • KRISTA4REAL
    I've lost over 20lbs so far and I eat a serving of dark chocolate almost everyday! I just make sure to count it in my calories:) - 7/31/2012 9:37:23 AM
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  • NLPOLAK
    Chocolate is one of my biggest weaknesses, but also one reason why I remain sane! Even with making smart food choices, I allow myself a small morsel of chocolate every now and then. And it tastes GREAT! I'm glad to know that its health benefits are discussed :-) Having worked in the chocolate industry for a holiday season, I also know the science behind the magical stuff, and have a deeper respect for it. And oddly enough, that did a lot to curb me from over-indulging! - 7/31/2012 7:37:05 AM
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  • HAKAPES
    I have a similar experience - reputation of chocolate is worse than the effect it really has. I'm a dark chocolate convert, and like to go for Lindt 70% or 85%. The usual very sweet milk chocolate is not so appealing anymore.

    I've also discovered that taking a square or two off from a 100g bar of chocolate is easier, than to control portions with snack bars of milk chocolate. So now, I directly go for 100g bars of quality dark chocolate, and I enjoy it even more, then before. - 7/31/2012 1:01:52 AM
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  • SCOUTFINCH18
    Dark Chocolate Covered Banana Babies (frozen chocolate covered bananas)! The perfect food. You can't eat it quickly, the chocolate is of the best, melt in your mouth quality, and it's half a banana. It doesn't get any better. - 12/24/2011 8:17:37 AM
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  • SOARHEAD
    To increase my intake of dark chocolate to ejoy the discussed health benefits, yet keep calories to a minimum, I have started drinking home-spun hot chocolate. I ordered few bags of high end Dutch cocoa powder from an online gourmet chef site. Modifying a hot chocolate recipe from a leading US chocolate mfr, I used skimmed milk and half sugar, half Splenda. Also slightly increased the amount of cocoa powder. Incredibly delicious and hopefully a lot healthier than consuming equivalent volumes of chocolate bars (after all, moderation there is not easy...). - 11/29/2011 2:46:16 PM
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  • ELLBELL22
    I have been dating chocolate for a long time. The day I am in a healthy relationship I could easily give up chocolate. Ha, at least I think I could. - 6/29/2011 6:56:33 PM
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  • TAMMYMCCOY1
    NO GUILT.... Dark Chocolater and high antioxidants check out the mxi.myvoffice.com
    /antioxidants The healthiest chocolate - 6/28/2011 8:15:52 AM
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  • SILENTSGIRL
    I'm one of those strange unheard of women who is utterly disinterested in chocolate. When someone gives me a box of assorted chocolates, I go through it looking for those containing my true love (caramel) and give the rest to my chocolate-loving friends. If I were told I could never have it again, I'd shrug. A life without caramel, however? I'd cry a few tears over that.... - 6/27/2011 3:27:38 AM
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  • BLACKPUNKIN
    I like the 70% and 85% dark chocolate prevably with almonds.This combo gets my motor running. - 6/26/2011 10:47:15 AM
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  • CIRANDELLA
    I shudder when I think of dark chocolate, though. On the rare occasions I got constipated as a little kid, Mom would give me two little squares of chocolate Ex-Lax.

    Dark chocolate tastes like that hideous stuff; milk chocolate does not.

    Going to choose MILK chocolate every time, and boy, do I love that stuff! - 12/24/2010 5:45:42 PM
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  • WETPTARMIGAN
    How timely! Our family tradition is to have a chocolate fondue on Boxing Day (December 26). It's only once a year; it's fruit we dip in the chocolate, and I try to eat 2 pieces of "bare" fruit for every one dunked in the pot. This year, in order to include a vegan in the family, we will be using very posh chocolate (the cheap kinds have milk fat instead of cocoa butter) and soy cream. It's great fun to be decadent on rare occasions! - 12/24/2010 11:37:22 AM
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  • BILBY4
    Yay, dark chocolate! The issue with milk - and any dairy - is that the proteins bind with the antioxidants which makes it difficult for the body to absorb them. - 12/24/2010 5:55:59 AM
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