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It is tempting to want to believe that chocolate is good for your health. Chocolate is high in antioxidants and contains iron and often calcium. However, even 'bad' foods usually have some nutritional benefits, for example, a take-away burger meal contains carbohydrates for energy and protein for building muscle. However, the level of fat in most junk foods tips the balance when it comes to deciding whether or not they are good for your health.

Most experts now agree that foods which are high in fat - not to mention sugar, are not good for you. Unfortunately, chocolate comes into the same category. Chocolate is high in saturated fat which can increase cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease. Although chocolate does contain anti-oxidants which can help to protect against some diseases, for example cancer, the amount of saturated fat present does not make chocolate a healthy choice. Antioxidants are also present in other foods, such as fruit, which is not high in fat and also has other health benefits.

Most chocolate also contains high levels of sugar, which can contribute to the risk of obesity and diabetes. The flavanoids in chocolate, which can have benefits for cardiovascular health, can be found in much higher quantities in fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables also contain many other beneficial nutrients which chocolate does not.

Dark chocolate contains iron and higher levels of anti-oxidants than milk chocolate. Eating a small amount of dark chocolate each day may be slightly beneficial, however it is not a substitute for eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, which provide even more of the beneficial nutrients present in chocolate. Unfortunately, despite the hype, the high fat and sugar content still leaves chocolate in the same category as most junk foods. Just as potato fries contain vitamin C, chocolate contains antioxidants, but it is misleading to say that either of them are good for your health.

Learn more about this author, Poppy Fields.
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