Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. So far so good. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn't so worrying.

1. www.gourmetrecipe.com
Wouldn't it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand in hand. However, there is so much information lately about the
health benefits of chocolate that it is only natural that people get a little confused.
It is true, that if people only ate chocolate delight pudding dessert, then there might be heart health benefits. The problem is that most
people eat unhealthy processed chocolate bars containing sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy cream not to mention other
"baddies" contained in some of those tasty fillings. Some of these added ingredients can clog up arteries and create havoc to your
waistline and lead to obesity.
That said, you might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn't all that bad. The fat content in chocolate, contained in premium grade
dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and
palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat - not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-
cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease.
Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol
levels. So far so good.Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in
chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn't so worrying.
Beware milk chocolate may not be so heart healthy
Despite all the good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while the fat
content may not invite heart disease or clogging of the arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone's
daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as the number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not
going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.
In the studies, the selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their "bad"
(LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take
vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, the study shows that cocoa could help.
In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won't do your
heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!