Will Run for Chocolate

Chocolate. We've all heard the rumors that chocolate is actually good for us and we buy into them with great enthusiasm. Let's be honest: Who doesn't want to end their workout with a handful of peanut M&M's? But how much of the rumor is true and how much of it are we "gobbling up", if you will, to soothe our souls and calm our guilt?

Are you scared now? Having second thoughts on that dark chocolate bar? Good. Now maybe you will do your research before digging into the bag of chocolate chips in your cupboard.

It is true that the antioxidants in chocolate lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce inflammation, lower BMI levels and boost endurance. Cocoa powder actually has sixteen more antioxidants than blueberries!

Cacao nibs offer 9 grams of fiber per ounce and taste great on top of your acai bowl or mixed in your oatmeal!

How many runners do you know who have an iron deficiency? Hand them a bar of dark chocolate! One ounce of dark chocolate aids in the delivery of oxygen to the muscles and offers iron!

So the rumors are true... right?

Yes, most chocolate is actually good for you! But please, please, please do not go buy 10 salted caramel chocolate bars from Trader Joe's and eat them all while you catch up on the Bachelorette tonight! Too much of a good thing may result in too much of a tummy!