We all want significant health benefits from the foods we love. We realize that indulgences aren’t good for us but are just too irresistible, so we try to justify our gluttony for those delicious treats. 

However, recent studies on chocolate and red wine may warrant our over-consumption and allow us to feel good about these obsessions.  

Resveratrol, a chemical in red wine, has been shown to act as an anti-oxidizing agent. 

This is also true for the flavonoids found in dark            chocolates. 

These chemicals offer protection from free radicals – molecules primarily generated from digestion of cooked red meat – and can help to lower blood pressure and reduce plaque formation on arterial walls. 

Highly processed chocolates seem to be devoid of these health-improving substances because flavinoids tend to have a bitter taste and are typically removed by most commercial chocolate companies. 

In addition, chocolate with added milk can negate the antioxidant functioning of flavonoids.

Opt for a dark, organic choice – or, as some companies may advertise, a “raw” food.  

Most chocolate snacks are laden with nuts, sugar, caramel and other high-caloric add-ins – something to keep in mind during a chocolate binge. 

Red wine in particular seems to be the only alcohol recommended by health professionals. 

While doctors are still weary of advocating the drinking of alcohol, it seems that resveratrol can protect individuals from diabetes and obesity. 

One small caveat to all recent research on red wine: vast amounts of wine (60 liters per day) need to be consumed to yield significant health benefits – an unobtainable amount, unfortunately.  

It may seem too good to be true to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by eating and drinking some of your favorite items, but it does provide some peace of mind that there may be some added benefits.

Similar benefits can be obtained from other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, tea and berries, without generating as much controversy. 

Drinking too much alcohol still has negative effects on physical and mental health including liver damage and depression, so drinking in moderation is key. 

Nick Pisciotta is a molecular biology major who is passionate about exercise programs and diets to better his health.