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Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

A chocoholic's dream

Go ahead, succumb to a chocolate meltdown. Evidence suggests that this divine diva might even be good for you.
Updated:
2010-02-17 13:35
Published:
2008-02-11 00:00
By 
Marilyn Smith

Photography By: Edward Pond

Chocolate lovers will be delighted to know that their favourite treat also boasts health benefits -- how sweet is that? Research, although preliminary, supports the view that antioxidant flavonoids called flavanols, which are found in chocolate, may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. They decrease the stickiness of our blood and keep our arteries flexible. (All chocoholics, please cheer now.)

Alas, there is a catch: not all chocolate is created equal. Some chocolate products contain essentially no flavonoids, while others are packed with them. How can you tell the chocolate heroes from the nutritional losers? In general, the darker the chocolate, the higher the flavonoid content. So be sure you look for dark or bittersweet chocolate.

OK, you're thinking great news about the flavonoids, but what about all that saturated fat I see on the label? That's a bad fat, right? How can that be heart healthy? According to Penny Kris-Etherton of Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa., a leading researcher in this field, the saturated fat in chocolate is predominately stearic acid, which does not raise blood cholesterol.

One thing to keep in mind as you're bailing veggies in your grocery cart to make room for good-for-you chocolate: this food of the gods is still packed with empty calories. It's best enjoyed with a little moderation on the side.

Recipes

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Source

Homemakers Magazine: February/March 2004. Click to subscribe online and never miss an issue.

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