Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource attribution is required. Please include the extension number when printing. But most diet-conscious women shy away from their beloved chocolate, feeling it will sabotage their healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, the February issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource reports that there is room for a little chocolate in even the healthiest diets. What's more, there is mounting evidence that chocolate may even be good for you.
Chocolate contains two antioxidants that are believed to have significant health benefits.
Catechins, which are also found in tea, are thought to boost the immune system and prevent heart disease. Phenol, the antioxidant found in red wine, lowers the risk of heart disease. Chocolate contains four times more catechins than tea, and a 1.5 ounce serving of the popular sweet has as much phenol as a glass of red wine. The good news about chocolate doesn't stop there. Concerns about tooth decay may be reduced because chocolate seems to have an antibacterial agent that inhibits plaque formation.