The Straight Skinny on Chocolate

As Valentine's Day draws near, the foil boxes of chocolates lining store shelves tempts most of us.

While flowers and a fruit basket are a healthy alternative to chocolates, some people still want chocolate more than anything else.

If you absolutely need to have or give chocolates, comfort yourself with these facts:

• While many think chocolate is high in caffeine, a 1.4 ounce bar has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
• Chocolate is a source of iron, zinc, magnesium and copper.
• The average chocolate bar has the same amount of antioxidants as 5 ounces of red wine.
• The unique saturated fat in chocolate, stearic acid, does not raise your cholesterol levels.
• Eating chocolate increases HDL, your good cholesterol levels.
• There is no scientific evidence that chocolate causes headaches or acne.
• Chocolate is also a feel-good food and you won't gain weight if you eat it in moderation.

While there are healthier Valentine's Day options, you can still enjoy a little bit of chocolate without guilt. Moderation is the key!