Even though the actual cocoa powder in chocolate is sometimes quite small, chocolate can still contain up to four times the anti-oxidants found in tea. Dark chocolate has 53.5 mg. of catechins per 100 grams. (Catechins are anti-oxidants that fight cancer-causing cells and help prevent heart disease).

Why is chocolate so addicting? you may ask. Well, chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins, that gives you a feeling similar to running several miles. Still that doesn’t mean that you can stop exercising – chocolate only gives you the feeling – not the exercise.

Chocolate isn’t all that bad for you, it has properties that work against the bacteria that causes sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Actually, chocolate is the snack food least likely to help with tooth decay. Not only that, cut chocolate has vitamins such as B1, B2, D and E.

I absolutely love chocolate, and other than the taste, I didn’t know why I was so addicted. When I read that it gives you a similar feeling to the “runners high,” I finally understood why I craved chocolate when I didn’t have Nordic ski practice.

When people read my current event, they should try to think of the good, and not so good, health benefits of different foods. I am very happy because now I have an excuse to eat chocolate. Still, everything in moderation.

People in Maine, and all around the world, need to remember that you can eat pretty much anything, if you don’t eat too much, or too often. I can remember my mom once telling me about a turtle that only ate lettuce, and his shell got wraped and unhealthy. (That was only the visible effect). That was not very good, because the shell was its only protection.