Baker's Best of Health

No doubt the Easter bunny is already starting his hippity-hopping down the good old Bunny Trail to deliver his goodie-filled baskets Sunday morning. And this year I’m going to welcome him with open arms—and an open mind about the chocolate he’ll be leaving behind. Believe it or not, when eaten in moderation, chocolate is actually a colorfully gift-wrapped assortment of health benefits!

It’s true: New research suggests that chocolate may be good for you. So here’s the skinny on “health by chocolate”:

• Dark chocolate packs 5,700 antioxidant units in 1 ½ ounces, and milk chocolate weighs in at around 3,000. Not bad, considering the fact that 5 strawberries—antioxidant-fighting heavyweights—only offer about 2,400 units.

• Test-tube research has shown that chocolate may prevent bad cholesterol from undergoing a process that makes it more damaging to your heart.

• There’s a reason you turn to chocolate when you’re feeling blue: It contains a chemical that improves your mood!

Now for the “in moderation” part. Choose solid chocolates or those with nuts rather than those with creamy fillings. Also, chocolate in ice cream, cakes, and cookies may have health benefits, but they also come with a lot of calories and other ingredients that could spell trouble for your heart.

The bottom line? Thank the Easter bunny for his generosity and enjoy your chocolate goodies in moderation!