WHY IS DARK CHOCOLATE HEALTHY?

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease.

Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide and balance certain hormones in the body.

HEART HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:

• Lower Blood Pressure. Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate each day can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.
• Lower Cholesterol. Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10%.

OTHER BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

• It stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure.
• It contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.
• It contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances, which are stimulants.
• Only dark chocolate can make a health claim as compared to milk and white chocolate. Dark chocolate has 65% or higher cocoa content.

It's more than wishful thinking — chocolate can be good for you. Studies show that eating chocolate, primarily dark chocolate, may contribute to improved cardiovascular health. Packed with natural antioxidants, dark chocolate and cocoa sit in the same good-for-you category as green tea and blueberries. That's because chocolate comes from cacao beans (or cocoa beans), which grow on the cacao tree and are full of natural plant nutrients. Most of the studies to date highlight dark chocolate's health values because it has the highest percentage of cocoa solids, therefore more flavanol antioxidants.

Read more about this here at http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/

Superfood: Dark Chocolate High in antioxidants known as flavonoids, dark chocolate delivers an awesome nutritional wallop. Studies show that modest amounts–no more than 1 to 2 ounces–eaten every day can reduce risk of blood clots, lower blood pressure, increase endurance, improve skin quality, and even sharpen problem-solving skills. But put down that candy bar–notice the emphasis on dark chocolate, which has less sugar and 2 to 3 times more flavonoids than milk chocolate (white chocolate has none at all). And remember, even dark chocolate still contains calories and fat, so please use in moderation.

Read more about this here at: http://www.myrecipes.com/healthy-diet/super-foods/health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate-10000001711950/

As you can see from this bar chart, dark chocolate and cocoa are packed with antioxidants. One serving of dark chocolate has more antioxidant capacity than a serving of blueberries or cranberries.

The reason why cocoa and dark chocolate pack such a punch is because the antioxidants are so concentrated. Consider this: antioxidants known as polpyphenols make up more than 10 percent of the weight of dry raw cocoa beans.

Read the entire article here:  http://www.allchocolate.com/health/nutrition/antioxidants.aspx

Chocolate is packed with natural compounds called antioxidants that scientists have discovered can protect your body and promote good health. In fact, ounce for ounce, dark chocolate and cocoa have more antioxidants than do foods like blueberries, green tea and red wine.

Read the entire article on how dark chocolate is an antioxidant powerhouse here: http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/antioxidant_effects.aspx

Despite chocolate's indulgent reputation, scientists believe it may actually do your heart (and your whole cardiovascular system) good. Good heart health depends on wide open, flexible arteries that are free of blockages and can deliver blood efficiently throughout your body. Studies have shown that consumption of dark chocolate or cocoa may help with all those vital functions.

Read the entire article on chocolate and your heart here: http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/cardio.aspx