Did you squirrel away some of your children’s Halloween candy for yourself? If it was dark chocolate, some recent news stories suggested that it may offer benefits in preventing sun-caused skin cancer and wrinkles. 

But before you try to counter too many “smile lines” from that news bite, here’s some of the reality:

True, flavenoids, which are present in dark chocolate, have gained attention for their antioxidant activity, which some claim offer health benefits. However, a response to the small study done by London University of the Arts and European Dermatology London is not without its killjoys.

First, the question is the depth and breadth of the study. Next is the quantity and quality of the chocolate, and if it is the type easily purchased by consumers (or ever received in those Halloween goodie bags!)

According to an article posted in England’s Sunderland Echo*,

Some newspapers have correctly pointed out that the dark chocolate studied in this research is not the type found in shops. While dark chocolate may be tasty, there must be more rigorous research into the substances it contains if today’s headlines are to be supported by science.

…While the idea that eating chocolate every day can protect the skin is appealing, this research has a number of limitations. It is sensible to reduce the risks of skin ageing and skin cancer by following current sun safety guidelines.

I, personally, will opt for keeping one of life’s little pleasures and enjoy a little dark chocolate here and there along with “an apple a day.” (We’ll table the discussion about red wine and resveratrol benefits for another time!)

*Post Script:

A tip of the hat to The Sunderland Echo for another contribution to increased awareness of skin cancer issues. They featured an interesting story this week on tanning among local teen-age girls and an attempt to ban sunbeds for those under 18. This has been a regulation passed in other places already.

What are your thoughts about legislation like this?