The Good News About Chocolate!
By: Autumn Singer, Office of Recreation and Wellness

A presentation at a recent meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, suggests that chocolate may have some redeeming health features. However, like most enjoyable treats, it should be consumed in moderation. According to several scientists, chocolate contains polyphenols--chemical compounds renowned for their heart-helping properties.

About the same quantity of Polyphenol found in a glass of red wine is also found in a chocolate bar. Polyphenols have been shown to prevent LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) from oxidizing into a form that damages arteries. In addition, Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton, says that chocolate has been shown to "raise good
cholesterol 10 percent, therefore lowering the risk of heart complications by 20 percent."

Antioxidants, found in everything from green tea to bread crust, are commonly believed to fight cancer. Cocoa's antioxidant capacity tops that of long-trusted sources like strawberries and garlic. Vinson has determined that cocoa liquor, the derivative of the cocoa bean used in dark and milk
chocolates, contains most of the antioxidants. He has also found that the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants.

So, allow yourself to enjoy a little chocolate this Valentine's Day and try this healthy dessert!!!

Chocolate Éclair Cake

1 box chocolate graham crackers
2 boxes sugar free, fat free instant chocolate fudge pudding
3 1/2 cups 1% milk
1 8oz. container low fat frozen whipped topping thawed in refrigerator
1 container Sweet Rewards Chocolate icing

Oil a 10" X 14" baking pan.
Put in a layer of graham crackers. Don't crush, just put them in.
Mix milk and pudding mix. Then, beat for 2 1/2 minutes.
Stir in thawed whipped topping.
Spread half of this mixture on the graham crackers.
Cover with another layer of crackers and another layer of pudding/crème combination and a final layer of crackers.
Chill for 2 hours. This is important.
Finally, spread icing on top and refrigerate for 12 hours.
Serves 16!

Source: www.happydaycards.com/ww/morefood.html
Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/360222.html