A CHOCOLATE a day keeps the Doctor away?

So what's the hub-bub about chocolate being good for you?

Well dark chocolate, that is (not white or milk chocolate) does have some antioxidant properties that have been proven to lower cholesterol, reduce stroke risk, and fight some kinds of cancer. However eating it in moderation is key.... a little in your homemade trail mix or lowfat morning muffins are a great start! Of course, don't substitute dark chocolate for a "heart protecting" lifestyle of regular cardiovascular workouts and a diet low in saturated fat; now that would be just plain silly!
And when you're looking for a gooooood for you quality dark chocolate, look for a label that lists the ingredients as being at least 60% or more cacao.

Lowfat Banana Muffins with Dark Chocolate Chips

3 ripe bananas

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup sugar

4 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2-3/4 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate)

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1 (70 g)

Servings Per Recipe: 12

Amount Per Serving

% Daily Value

Calories 155.2

Calories from Fat 25

16%

Total Fat 2.8 g

4%

Saturated Fat 1.4 g

7%

Cholesterol 15.5 mg

5%

Sodium 127.5 mg

5%

Total Carbohydrate 31.6 g

10%

Dietary Fiber 2.2 g

9%

Sugars 16.3 g

65%

Protein 2.9 g

5%