If you were told you could include one food in your diet that helps in preventing cancer, has a host of health benefits, improves your mood, and may extend your life, would you do it? If I told you that food is chocolate, would you believe it?

Dark chocolate is clearly the best choice to make and as with everything else that we seem to love, it is best to enjoy this tasty treat in moderation. Nutrition experts say one to two ounces a day is the best plan.

I was mulling over this good news as I enjoyed some dark chocolate with my green tea recently. How’s that for a healthy double whammy? If I’m going to savor a few ounces, my first choice is always a piece or two from Just Chocolate. I discovered the wide range of chocolate products at Freedom Run Winery one recent Saturday afternoon. I was at a tasting there and noticed a table with rows of beautifully packaged chocolate. The chocolate chef herself, Donna Masury, and her husband, Jerry, were behind the table talking and selling their luscious wares.

The couple offer generous samples of their product, ranging from sea salt chocolate to peanut butter to orange and many more. Donna said her Just Chocolate business started as a hobby. When people tried it and raved about it, they encouraged Donna to market her product to a wider base. As I was devouring the sample of dark chocolate with sea salt and pretzels, Donna explained that her superior-tasting product is due to the excellent grade of chocolate, fresh orange zest, nuts, coconut and other top-notch ingredients she uses in all of her recipes.

Donna will personally sell her chocolate to you Saturdays from noon – 6pm at Freedom Run. Just Chocolate is available in the Roswell Park gift shop. The Masury’s donate a portion of proceeds to the hospital. 
 
That seems fitting because of those health benefits, including research that that chocolate can help fight cancer by inhibiting cell division and reducing inflammation.

So, indulge, enjoy in moderation and know that you’re doing yourself a favor by eating healthy!