Q: I am a chocoholic and absolutely in love with dark chocolate (85% -99% cocoa). However, I have noticed that it is very high in saturated fat.
I have come across contradictory evidence regarding the health benefits and risks of saturated fat found in dark chocolate.

Could you please shed some light on this issue?

Danielle


A: The contradictory evidence regarding the health benefits and risks you have come across is probably accurate for different reasons.

Most natural foods are beneficial for the body in some respects according to their concentration of nutrients. What needs to be kept in mind is the effect that food item in question will have on your body. While foods can be of benefit in one regard, they can be less than beneficial on other fronts.

An example of this is dark chocolate. We are of course talking about pure dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, not the sweetened milk chocolate that is found commonly in candy bars. While the pure dark goodness is beneficial for the body due to its anti-oxidant content, it is a calorically dense food item therefore also comes with a lot of energy in the form of calories. This high caloric content is due to the high concentration of saturated fats.

Foods high in saturated fats are less desirable because they are saturated with energy/calories. Unsaturated fats are more desirable because they are less compact with energy/calories. So the same chocolate that brings you benefit because of the anti-oxidants, can work against you if you are looking at watching your caloric or food intake.

There are studies out there that list the pros and cons of specific foods but what should be kept in mind is how that food item contributes to your overall intake. Does it contribute to overall balance or detract from it?

As far as being a “chocoholic”, it is important to keep in mind that everything should be consumed in moderation.

Thank you for your question! Take care.

Faisal Naqvi
Clinic Director, Athletic Therapist, Osteopathy


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