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In this article I will briefly and simply discuss the powerful health benefits of dark chocolate and how to choose the correct type by being aware of the ingredients.

At the end of this article you will be an 'mini expert'.

The powerful health benefits of dark chocolate is quite amazing. For starters it is believed a 40g bar of the dark stuff can contain double the amount of antioxidants than a glass of red wine. Chocolate and cocoa powder are derived from beans that are rich in natural antioxidants flavonoids called flavanols.

It's benefits have been linked to a lower risk of...heart disease, prostate cancer, lung cancer, asthma and type 2 diabetes. Oh, and you can ditch the aspirins too, as dark chocolate is believed to have a similar effect as aspirin.

So, how do you know if you are choosing the correct type of chocolate?

Here is a little guide to help you.

First rule, high cocoa content is the key here. You want less sugar and dairy fat. When looking at the labels on a bar, good dark chocolates will report their cocoa content by percent weight. You really want 70 per cent or higher. Remember it's the cocoa that contains the flavonols.

A general rule is that the higher the percentage of cocoa, the more bitter it will taste. But it is the bitterness that you want (not necessarily crave!), the more bitter, the more better it is for you. Don't worry, you will soon get used to, and appreciate, the richer taste of dark chocolate (and lack of sugar). Just think how healthy it is for you as you are munching away at it.

Small portions are all you really need to satisfy chocolate cravings. If you read the labels on chocolate, they can be confusing to say the least. However the first ingredient you need to be looking for should be cocoa.

Finally, on the powerful benefits of dark chocolate, studies have shown that it can also prevent blood from clotting, but watch how much you eat. Just a little warning...be aware that an ounce of it can contain up to a 11g of fat. So don't substitute it for a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits. Just be sensible....and definitely enjoy!!

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There is great news for everyone who loves chocolate, dark chocolate in particular. Research has shown a small amount eaten on a daily basis is actually good for your heart! It is important to note, only dark chocolate has been shown to provide health benefits of any kind. Milk, semi-sweet, white or any other kind of chocolate may taste good, perhaps even better, but they do not provide any known benefits.

Chocolate is made from plants and that means it contains some of the same various health benefits that dark vegetables have. Those advantages come from flavonoids that act as antioxidants. The antioxidants protect the body from aging that is caused by molecules produced through normal digestive processes, which cause the damage that leads to heart disease.

Dark Chocolate has a tremendous number of antioxidants. Manufacturers have learned how to make the product keeping up to 95% of flavonoids. The higher the level of those flavonoids, the more benefits the consumer will get from the chocolate. In fact, dark chocolate that is rich with flavonoids will elevate the blood levels of epicatechin that will allow the release of active substances which will improve blood flow in the artery. Improved blood flow is a great health benefit for the heart.

There are two health benefits in particular eating dark chocolate has for the heart. One is lower blood pressure and the other lower cholesterol. If eaten on a daily basis, it can reduce blood pressure in people who have high blood pressure and it also reduces LDL cholesterol, also known as the bad cholesterol, by up to 10 percent.

There are other health benefits to eating dark chocolate as well including stimulating endorphin production, producing a feeling of pleasure, it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant, it contains other stimulants and it just tastes good.

This does not mean anyone should go on a dark chocolate eating binge. Chocolate of all kinds is loaded with calories and fat. It is recommended the consumer eat no more than 3.5 ounces a day to enjoy the heart and other health benefits dark chocolate offers.

It is strongly recommended anyone adding dark chocolate to their daily diet should look for pure dark chocolate, either plain or with nuts or any kind of flavoring. The consumer should avoid any kind of fillings, such as caramel or nougat, because the fillings add unneeded and unwanted sugar and fat which will keep you from getting the benefits.

It is also advised not to drink milk with your dark chocolate. Research has shown milk can prevent the antioxidants from being absorbed or used by the body.

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Food scientists all over the world suggest that dark chocolate contains all the necessary compounds and minerals to prevent major chronic heart conditions and disorders, most notably, cardiovascular disease. Derived from plants, it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. A large number of antioxidants are contained in this semi-sweet substance (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries) as well as more than 3 times the amount of catechins as that found in tea. The dark variety has far more antioxidants than white or milk chocolate.

Enriched with health compounds (medically known as flavonoids), it may also act as a traditional curative remedy for treating various body ailments. The flavonoids can help with your blood circulation in the same way that aspirin helps to reduce the likelihood of a blood clot. As a side note, the milk content of other chocolates can cause acne or "zits," but not dark chocolate.

The mood-enhancing qualities of chocolate are an obvious reason why it is so strongly associated with Valentine's Day, as a gift for lovers and loved ones. Benefits apart from protecting your heart include good taste that stimulates endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure. It contains serotonin, which may act as an anti-depressant, as well as theobromine, caffeine and other substances that are stimulants.

Remember, however, that overindulging in dark chocolate might blow your calorie budget, and packing on pounds could raise blood pressure. So portion control may help you have your indulgence while reaping its health benefits. From a healthy heart to young-looking skin to a happy mood, dark chocolate provides you with a number of benefits, provided you consume it in moderation. It is recommended by many studies that you eat an ounce a day.

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Many folks thoroughly enjoy a dark chocolate bar as opposed to a milk chocolate bar. However, there are also probably many more people that enjoy the milk chocolate instead too. This is probably due to the distinctly different taste that is somewhat more bitter and more prevalent in dark chocolate than in milk chocolate. Of course, the personal taste preference would also probably have something to do with this too. It is relatively doubtful that it is simply and primarily for the potential health benefits that are said to be distinct to dark chocolate and it is probably more aimed at the taste.

Dark chocolate has been studied for possible and potential health benefits that are closely related to the heart. It has been said that this is due to the flavoniods and their active ingredient epicatechin.

There was a study that was done by the University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing in which the Dove Dark Chocolate was the primary study. The American Cocoa Research Institute provided these for this specific study. Some had these flavonoids and some had the flavonoids taken out. They used twenty one otherwise healthy people and split them into two groups. Each group would eat one point four ounces of this chocolate a day. The exception was that one group had flavonoids and one did not. After two weeks, these people were subjected to testing to explore their blood vessel dilation and found that the people that had the flavonoids had better blood flow and blood vessel function. These studies were published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Does this prove anything about the dark chocolate bar? It may be that considering the extended amount of flavonoids that are in dark chocolate does aid in the prevention of blood clots which subsequently can lead to heart attacks. And, considering that the cocoa plant is just that, a plant, it may. Of course, by simply eating dark chocolate daily will not keep one healthy. One must also eat right as well as exercise in order to reap the benefits of a healthy regime. And, when doing this, one must certainly limit the amount of dark chocolate that they intake. Fore, any type of chocolate is loaded with fats and sugars as well as high in calories and large amounts will certainly defeat the purpose.

Therefore, keep in mind that this specific study only used one point four ounces of chocolate a day and limit yourself to that in order to have the potential benefits help. Also, when discussing the dark chocolate bar , a good talking point may be it seems to be the only candy bar that is actually good for you as well as your health. Find out more tips about dark chocolate bar at http://darkchocolate.bestreferenceguide.com

Everyone has been told at one time or another that they cannot have any more sweets or that they need to cut back on the chocolate. While it is true that nobody should make a diet out of bonbons and chocolate bars, chocolate is not as bad as some make it out to be. In fact, there are many health benefits to indulging in the occasional piece of dark chocolate.

A recent study shows that dark chocolate can be significant in helping to lower blood pressure. In this study, participants ate a 100-gram candy bar once a day for two weeks. As a result, their blood pressure dropped an average of five points for systolic blood pressure and two points for diastolic blood pressure.

Dark chocolate can also be beneficial because it is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease and other health issues. According to recent studies, milk can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants. This means that only dark chocolate has this benefit and that it should not be washed down with milk to get the full advantage.

Those who are planning on using the health benefits as an excuse to eat chocolate should keep a few things in mind. First, it is only dark chocolate that has these benefits, so eating milk or white chocolate will not produce the same results. In addition, doctors advise that someone who starts eating chocolate on a daily basis balance out the extra calories by eating less of other things in their diet.

Staying healthy has never tasted sweeter than when it is accomplished through eating dark chocolate. Low blood pressure and increased antioxidants are big steps on the way to helping anyone become healthier and more energetic. Be sure to speak with a doctor first, and then begin getting healthy with a tasty treat.

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We have known for a long time that you have to cut back on sweets if you want to lose weight, maintain a healthy heart and live as long as possible. Right? However, new evidence shows otherwise, at least where dark chocolates are concerned. It seems that high blood pressure and even heart disease may be helped by dark chocolate rather than exacerbated by it.

When reading this information don't let it go to your head too much. Yes, dark chocolates have been shown to be beneficial. But that doesn't mean you should eat too much of it or that you have free reign over white chocolate or even milk chocolate. It's dark chocolates we are talking about here.

In several studies dark chocolate has lowered high blood pressure in many participants. That is great news and while chocolate is enjoyable to eat it is also a lot healthier than prescription drugs. Remember, though, that you can't just eat all the chocolate you want. You can eat some and if you have mild high blood pressure and are of a certain age then the dark chocolate will more than likely help you. But, you must balance your caloric intake and know that if you are eating dark chocolate that you will need to cut calories elsewhere.

Believe it or not, but dark chocolate also has antioxidants. However, you must eat it alone. Don't accompany the dark chocolate with a big glass of milk or else you will eliminate the antioxidant effect. Antioxidants are great because they attack and eliminate free radicals, the culprits of many diseases including heart disease. A study with 13 individuals ages 55-64 who had mild high blood pressure took part in a study. Half were given a 100 gram dark chocolate candy bar and the other half a 100 gram white chocolate candy bar. They had to eliminate 480 other calories from their diet to make up for eating the chocolate. Over the course of the two week study the individuals who ate the dark chocolate saw a significant drop in their blood pressure. In fact, the average was five systolic points and two diastolic points.

The individuals who ate white chocolate did not see the same results. Another study used the same amount of people but in the 25-35 age range. They ate 100 grams of dark chocolate one day, 100 grams of dark chocolate with a small glass of milk another day, and finally 200 grams of milk chocolate. The study found that eating dark chocolate by itself results in the most total antioxidants in the blood. Many of us prefer milk chocolate to dark chocolate because it is smoother, sweeter and not as bitter. But, it is dark chocolate that makes the health difference and it is still sweet and good. So, why is dark chocolate the answer? It's because it contains cocoa phenols, which lower blood pressure. If you want to try this remedy then cut out bad things in your diet like colas, carnival foods, and the like to make up for the 500 plus calories in a bar of chocolate. Then you can have your chocolate and enjoy the cardiovascular benefits! Remember to take good care of your teeth as well when eating all that chocolate because tooth health has a direct connection to cardiovascular health. Now, go buy you some dark chocolate.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. In several studies dark chocolate has lowered high blood pressure in many participants. That is great news and while chocolate is enjoyable to eat it is also a lot healthier than prescription drugs. Remember, though, that you can't just eat all the chocolate you want. You can eat some and if you have mild high blood pressure and are of a certain age then the dark chocolate will more than likely help you. But, you must balance your caloric intake and know that if you are eating dark chocolate that you will need to cut calories elsewhere. If you want to try this remedy then cut out bad things in your diet like colas, carnival foods, and the like to make up for the 500 plus calories in a bar of chocolate.

Is dark chocolate really healthy for you? It's been advertised as being good for us, but it can be hard to tell what's real and what's not. If you're not sure whether the benefits you've heard about are really available from chocolate, here are some of the basics to help you decide.

Dark chocolate's primary benefit comes from flavonoids, a type of substance that falls under the umbrella of antioxidants. Many of the diseases we suffer from can be caused or aggravated by oxidant damage to our cells. Antioxidants can help reduce these problems, including some of the effects of aging, by preventing the completion of the oxidant reaction.

They capture damaging free radicals, and can be very beneficial to us. Some foods have more antioxidants than others. For instance, while they're present in strawberries, you'll find almost eight times as much of these chemicals in dark chocolate. Chocolate also has the ability to reduce blood pressure, since it contains nitric oxide, and may help with internal hormonal balances.

It's also been said that a small bar of chocolate daily can be good for your heart. That's because of the aforementioned blood pressure benefits, and also the fact that it can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol as much as ten percent. Chocolate also stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin, contains caffeine, theobromine and other stimulants, and tastes good. That means it has a lot of appeal.

The downsides are that it takes a lot of chocolate to have a big effect, and chocolate is a fairly fatty food. A third of the fats in chocolate are monounsaturated, and two thirds are saturated and able to affect your cholesterol. Another problem is that this high fat content, combined with the sugar in chocolate, means weight gain is a possibility if you eat too much.

Studies have used about three and a half ounces of dark chocolate each day to determine its benefits. That translates into about four hundred calories. While that might not sound like much, consider that it's the same as eating two small doughnuts, and that an extra four hundred calories per day could result in a gain of almost a pound a week.

That means that if you're eating a lot of chocolate to get its benefits, you'll need to increase your activity level and adjust your diet accordingly to avoid weight gain. To keep from eating too much, take the time to taste and appreciate chocolate every time your consume it. These health benefits are also available only from dark chocolate with sixty-five percent or higher levels of cocoa.

Milk chocolate has much lower cocoa content and can't offer those health benefits, and white chocolate contains no cocoa at all. Chocolate bars made of pure chocolate or chocolate with minimal flavorings are the best choice. Avoid nougat, caramel, and similar fillings, which can reduce the benefits chocolate is offering.

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Medical science is actually telling us to eat dark chocolate for heart health.  How is this possible?  Up until now, we've always thought chocolate was bad for us!

It turns out that dark chocolate made from unprocessed cocoa, contains high amounts of flavonoids and phytochemicals.  These are antioxidants found in nutritious foods like raisins, prunes, acai berries, and blueberries.  Cocoa has from its origin an incredible high amount of these antioxidants and science has found a way by cold pressing the cocoa. And that's responsible for the benefits of dark chocolate for heart health.

It's not just hype by the chocolate manufacturers.  Here are the results of just four scientific, placebo-controlled studies recently conducted by medical doctors and universities all over the world, to prove that we can eat dark chocolate for heart health without any guilt.

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that blood flow increased significantly in individuals who consumed cocoa for six weeks.  They concluded that more studies need to be done to determine how much cocoa makes a difference.  This is only one study that supports the idea that it's okay to eat dark chocolate for heart health.
In another study, forty-five borderline obese but otherwise healthy adults were given either cocoa or a placebo.  Doctors measured their blood pressure both before and after, and found that those who ate the dark chocolate had better blood pressure.  The benefits of dark chocolate for heart health are immediate.
The Journal of the American Medical Association has said that eating a reasonable amount of dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure enough to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to eight percent.  When you add dark chocolate for heart health to all the other things you do, like getting enough exercise and eating a careful diet, it makes a difference.
A study conducted at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, looked at men and women with mildly elevated blood pressure.  At the end of the study, those who consumed a small amount of healthy dark chocolate every day had lower blood pressure readings.  Those who consumed white chocolate showed no change.

If you're pregnant or know someone who is, keep in mind that blood pressure rises during pregnancy.  A little piece of dark healthy chocolate during pregnancy is a good thing, because it can help regulate blood pressure.

Drinking cocoa had the same effect as eating it, opening up a whole world of possibilities.  You can get your healthy cocoa in many ways, dark chocolate for heart health is available in drinks, snacks and chunk form.

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Did you know that a benefit of dark chocolate is that it can help reduce insulin levels ? Unfortunately dark chocolate can be an acquired taste but for those suffering with diabetes it is well worth persevering as a benefit of dark chocolate is that it can counteract insulin resistance. But the really good news is that there is a new brand of chocolate on the market that has removed the usual bitter taste of dark chocolate thus producing an awesome tasting chocolate with huge health benefits. Yes, dark chocolate can now be viewed as a healthy food and used on a regular basis it has outstanding benefits especially for diabetes sufferers.

A benefit of dark chocolate is that due to its concentration of flavonoids it can can help in the battle against diabetes as it is rich in antioxidants. Which brings forth the question "what are antioxidants"?

Antioxidants are neutralizers of free radicals. Free radicals are simply explained as a phenomenon of today's living. Free radicals are a by product of breathing oxygen, they occur through general everyday pollution in the air, they are basically unavoidable in today's living environment. Molecules become damaged and split, the result being that the damaged molecule becomes a free radical. Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides spawn free radicals.

It used to be that the body could handle free radicals, but as free radical production has become excessive, damage to the body is occurring. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age. So the older we get the more susceptible we are to damage.

Why are antioxidants showing to be a benefit of dark chocolate and diabetes ? Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids which in turn is rich in antioxidants and as such helps to counteract insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be reversed by maintaining healthy weight, eating a good diet, exercising and stopping smoking. Those fabulous flavonoids help in keeping blood vessels healthy and they improve blood flow. That is extremely important for diabetics because they can develop circulation problems which can cause loss of extremities to occur.

Another amazing benefit of dark chocolate is that it is a terrific source of epicatechin. This compound is naturally occurring in cocoa powder that is used in commercially made chocolate, however, it is the main reason for the bitter taste, so commercial chocolate makers process this compound out to remove the taste problems. What this does in effect is to remove one of today's most beneficial compounds. Research at Harvard Medical School has doctors believing that epicatechin could potentially rid the western World of 4 major diseases, stroke, heart failure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

This new chocolate, called Xocai, has developed a process of removing the bitter taste of epicatechin without removing any of the benefits. The result is a product laden with thousands of ORAC units. The ORAC scale was developed by the USDA to measure the amount of antioxidants in each fruit or vegetable. An optimal daily dosage is between 12,000 and 15,000 units. The average US diet contains 800 units. Now with Xocai chocolate all that is needed is 3 squares per day to provide the optimal recommended dosage. Those 3 squares a day only amount to 190 calories and just 8 grams of sugar, so it will not impact your calorie intake. Also Xocai chocolate suppresses craving so just another benefit of dark chocolate.

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As the country becomes more and more health conscious and baby boomers populating the majority, we are finding several ways in which certain foods are absolutely beneficial to us. For many centuries people have known the health benefit of dark chocolate, but it seems as if the information is suddenly taking the world by storm with the incredible antioxidant claims. Could this be because baby boomers are looking to live longer or the fact that more and more people are looking for great tasting ways to help them trim their waist lines?

Whatever the case may be, the health benefit of dark chocolate is definitely making its way to the forefront and people are sitting up and taking notice. Dark chocolate has amazing ingredient properties and there are several studies which indicate dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and is beneficial for heart disease. Dark chocolate also has been shown to suppress appetite making it ideal for dieters trying to stave off the sugar cravings.

One of the most important properties in dark chocolate is flavonoids. Flavonoids provide protective benefits with its potent antioxidant power. Antioxidants help our cells resist damage of all those nasty free radicals roaming around in the body. There is no way to avoid free radicals as they are caused by environment and a major contributor to the way we age. Out bodies absolutely need adequate amount of antioxidants to lessen this damage, but the fact is that many people are not taking in near the recommended amount.

This is where dark chocolate comes in and can help many of us! Just about everyone loves chocolate. But before you go reaching for that candy bar, there is a particular kind of chocolate that is extremely beneficial, where others are not.

Most chocolate is processed and contains sugars and fats that are damaging to our bodies and the benefits are lost. Cocoa in its purest form is beneficial to us before it goes through chemical processes and all of its antioxidant qualities are removed. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are definitely out of the question and should be avoided if you are looking for health benefits.

Dark chocolate is the only form of chocolate that retains high levels of flavonoids, but most dark chocolate still contains sugars and fats, depleting the benefits. The absolute best form of dark chocolate with antioxidant benefits is in its purest form, completely unprocessed.

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You may have heard about Xocai Chocolate and are wondering what all the fuss is about. Before we take a look at the Xocai products, let us first take a look at dark chocolate itself.

Chocolate is everywhere in the news today. To prove my point, just do a Google search on "dark chocolate health" or "dark chocolate antioxidants" and you will see 1,000's of different websites talking about the benefits. For example, Time Magazine reported, "dark chocolate has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate mood." US News stated, "new evidence suggests that a moderate amount of dark chocolate, particularly cocoa, may be sweet for the cardiovascular system."

The problem with most chocolates are the refined sugars, milk, hydrogenated oils, and other filler ingredients that are added to make it not so healthy.

There is a company by the name of MXI (Marketing Xocolate International) Corp. that has developed a healthy line of chocolate products. Xocai contains no refined sugars, no added fats, milk, or other filler ingredients. Xocai is made of 100% unprocessed cocoa powder.

Xocai is considered the only true healthy chocolate because of its patented cold pressing process. What this means is it is the only chocolate of its kind to not be heat manufactured. All chocolates found in the stores are heat manufactured and because of this fact, 80% or better of the antioxidants found in store bought chocolates are destroyed. Xocai products are all cold pressed so they retain 100% of the nutrients and antioxidants and with a whole lot less sugar.

As stated earlier, the studies coming out on the positive benefits of healthy dark chocolate are pretty remarkable. These studies include declines in high blood pressure, appetite suppression, mood elevation, and decreases in inflammation. Although not intended to cure all of your ailments, most people would welcome some positive side effects while enjoying a product that they already love.

Thankfully, there is a movement in today's society back to natural health, medicine, and diet. When you can consume a chocolate that does not contain all of the unhealthy ingredients that are in 99% of chocolates sold today, you'd be crazy to not try it.

While I was not a huge dark chocolate fan to begin with period, once you make the switch to unprocessed, healthy chocolate you'll never want to go back to the unhealthy, processed chocolates. There really is no comparison in taste, quality, and health benefits.

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Raw, dark chocolate has been known to have significant health benefits.  Research studies continue to reveal that chocolate may hold clues to fighting more and more types of diseases.  It is great news that the enjoyment and satisfaction of chocolate can be linked to healthiness and well-being.   Here's how research involving chocolate consumption has been shown to benefit conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and more.

Cancer and Heart Disease

Raw cacao and dark chocolate contain even greater amounts of the antioxidant compounds found in red wine or green tea.  In protecting cells from toxins, as well as damaging and slowing the growth of cancer cells, antioxidants help reduce cancer risks and heart disease.   The more cacao contained in chocolate, the more antioxidants it contains.  Keep in mind that white chocolate does not contain antioxidants. 

High Cholesterol

Despite being high in fats, studies have shown that chocolate consumption does not raise cholesterol, due to the type of saturated fat it contains.   Less harmful saturated fats mean less harmful cholesterol and artery-clogging plaque.  In fact, dark chocolate may help boost good cholesterol. 

Mood

Consuming chocolate is thought to have an opiate effect on the body, possibly helping ease mood disorders. In addition, the fat contained in chocolate helps provide a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure, releasing endorphins that positively affect mood.  Chocolate also may help cases of depression and soothe anxiety.  Certain research study participants diagnosed with depression found relief from their depression when given dark chocolate.

High Blood Pressure and Circulation

Dark chocolate has been shown to help prevent blood platelets from aggregating, thus minimizing blood clots.  In fact, one research study showed that consuming a small amount of dark chocolate each day slightly lowered blood pressure.   This effect is due to the level of flavonoids in cacao that improve the level of protection against heart disease and encourage good circulation.  Flavonoids tend to be lower in milk chocolate so stick with the dark.  In addition, the Dutching process used in making cocoa powder also reduces flavanols, so look for naturally processed cocoa.

How Much Chocolate To Consume 

To reap the possible health benefits, try adding 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day to your diet.  Make sure there are no refined sugars or hydrogenated oils used in making the chocolate.  There should also be a high cocoa percentage (70% or above) in the chocolate bar.  Keep in mind that chocolate will add calories, so make dietary adjustments accordingly.

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The health benefits of dark chocolate are derived from flavonoids which are responsible for its anti-oxidant action. Anti-oxidants rid the body of free oxygen radicals floating around and burning up the body cells. These free radicals cause aging. It contains up to 8 times as much anti-oxidant than an equivalent of strawberries. Besides the removal of anti-oxidants, flavonoids help regulate the blood pressure by the production of nitric oxide. Dark chocolate has also been observed to reduce the amount of LDL(bad) cholesterol in the body by 10%.

Of the three types of fat in dark chocolate, two do not contribute to increasing the amount of dangerous cholesterol in your body, namely; oleic and stearic acid. Daily consumption recommended is only 100 grams to get the health benefits of dark chocolate. If you eat more than that, you must pay back the excess energy by eating less off other foods.

In addition to the health benefits of dark chocolate for the cardiovascular system, the hormones endorphine, serotonin and theobromine, which are derived from the chocolate, relieve depressed states, improve the congeniality and sexuality of persons. In this sense we can call chocolate a "social" food.

Some research has even been conducted to study possible health benefits of dark chocolate of curing malarial infections. The theory is based on the fact that malarial mosquitoes feed on blood fats and cholesterol. Chocolate, which adheres to cholesterol, may weaken the parasite.

The cocoa plant is a heritage from the Aztecs. Even during those ancient times, the health benefits of dark chocolate were not only believed in but chocolate was considered the food of the gods. The Aztecs believed that the cocoa plant was a gift to mankind from their god Quetzalcoatl. The dark unsweetened chocolate beverage that both the Mayans and the Aztecs partook of was called xocoatl. They believed that the drink could bestow wisdom and power, that it was nourishing, strengthening and had aphrodisiac qualities.

Since the Aztecs did not have sugar, other ways to enhance the flavor of xocoatl were used; spices, hot chili peppers and corn meal were added for flavor.

To avail of the health benefits of dark chocolate, take it in moderation. Stuffing yourself with chocolates is not a healthy habit. In particular, sweetened chocolates produce a lot of calories that can increase the fat retention in your body. The healthiest chocolates are those which contain plenty of flavonoids. Commercially sold chocolate bars, besides being sweetened, have varying contents of these substances.

Preparing your own chocolate at home from unsweetened raw cocoa powder will be the best way for you to take advantage of the health benefits of dark chocolate. Low-fat chocolate recipes are available on the internet. Cook chocolate with just a touch of sweetness to combat its naturally bitter taste. Additionally you can use dark brown sugar, molasses, to sweeten your chocolate dish. Brown sugars are known to be healthier to use than white sugar. This way, you can maximize the health benefits of dark chocolate that you are going to get.

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Milk chocolate and dark chocolate differ in so many ways apart from how each tastes and the way they look. You can tell milk chocolate apart by its light brown shade and dark chocolate by its dark coffee colour. Other interesting differences include:

1) Calories: Which has more calories in your opinion? Did I hear you say milk? Get ready to be surprised. When 1 ounce of milk chocolate was compared to 1 oz of dark, it was found that the ounce of the dark variety had 7 calories more than its milky counterpart at 135 calories. This is obviously before adding any other specials like nuts or caramel. It's the reason why doctors warn not to overindulge with dark chocolate as the health benefits could be jeopardised by becoming overweight. It is advisable not to eat more than a square a day according to health practitioners. At most, 29g or about an ounce a day should be the rule of thumb.

2) Production: Basically, milk chocolate is made by adding milk to the dark chocolate formula. So, how does the milk variety end up with less calories. Well, not all the cocoa is used when making milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is generally made with only a maximum of 50% cocoa content whereas dark ones would contain from 55% cocoa content but most top range ones contain at least 70% cocoa.

3) Benefits: Dark chocolate has more health benefits than milk chocolate mainly because it contains more cocoa. However, if you're looking for health benefits you will need to avoid treats covered in marshmallow and caramel. The ideal when you plan to enjoy all the health giving properties is a plain dark chocolate bar. The high cocoa content means it contains antioxidants. When eaten as part of a healthy diet, dark chocolate has been proven to help reduce bad cholesterol levels, improve heart health and even improve blood sugar and insulin levels.

I would be interested to hear more interesting discoveries in the world of chocolate if you have any to share. Feel free to comment please.

Tola Popoola runs a personalised chocolates business, Chocolat A Toi. You can follow her work via her Blog.

The health benefits of dark chocolate have only recently made it into mainstream thinking. It shouldn't have really surprised anyone - chocolate comes from the seed of a tropical tree, which means it inherently has many of the health benefits of other plant-based foods.

Raw chocolate (or cacao) contains the highest levels of antioxidants of any food on earth, with a full spectrum of nutrients found naturally in different fruits and vegetables. However, most of the chocolate consumed in western cultures comes in the form of highly processed and refined milk chocolate. Milk chocolate (and white chocolate) do not have the benefits of raw chocolate.

Antioxidants, sometimes referred to as phytonutrients, protect the body from free radical damage and can help to prevent premature aging and chronic diseases.

Antioxidants are found in all fruits and vegetables, to some degree. Unfortunately, most people don't consume enough antioxidants in their diet to offset the harmful effects of free radicals. In addition, antioxidant levels in your body decline as you age. This combination places most individuals at an elevated risk for free radical damage and degenerative diseases.

Specific Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dozens of clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the health benefits of dark chocolate - and the results are overwhelmingly positive. These include benefits for your cardiovascular system, prevention of osteoporosis, cancer prevention, and improved mental alertness. Dark chocolate also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

Cardiovascular benefits. Dark chocolate contains important antioxidants called phenols. These natural compounds from the cocoa bean are known to increase nitric oxide, reduce platelet aggregation, and inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol. They can also decrease blood pressure, improve your cholesterol ratio, and increase your insulin sensitivity.

Relief from Inflammation. Flavonoid compounds in dark chocolate exert strong anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the same enzyme that is the target of over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease where bone mineral density declines, which raises the risk for fractures. Women who consume greater amounts of antioxidants have higher bone mineral density levels than those who consume lower levels. This makes dark chocolate a great addition to the diet in anyone with low bone density or susceptibility to fracture.

Helps you stay focused and alert. Studies suggest that dark chocolate could be useful in enhancing brain function for people fighting fatigue and sleep deprivation. It also boosts blood flow to key areas of the brain for two to three hours, and may help to increase performance in tasks that require an alert mind.

Increased happiness. When chocolate is consumed, it triggers the production of endorphins in the body, which create a feeling of happiness. Eating chocolate won't cure clinical depression, but it might provide a quick hit of happiness.

Help with weight loss! Dark chocolate has appetite suppressant properties which help curb your cravings, and it only takes small amounts to enjoy these benefits. Studies show that eating just three-quarters of an ounce every 3 days lowers C-reactive protein levels, a strong marker of cardiovascular disease risk. This amount of chocolate adds only about 100 calories every 3 days to your diet.

How to Get the Benefits of Dark Chocolate

As mentioned above, the benefits of chocolate are only available from deep, dark varieties. Milk chocolate is a highly-processed food and has virtually none of the benefits of dark chocolate.

When you're choosing a chocolate bar, the higher percentage of cacao, the better. If you're accustomed to milk chocolate, you may want to start with a dark chocolate bar that's lower in cacao, and gradually switch to bars with a higher cacao content. Again, the higher the better.

Discover more Facts About Chocolate.

Stan Mrak has had a passion for antiaging nutrition and preventive health for over 30 years. Pay a visit to his website at http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com and discover more about the importance of antioxidants for staying young and preventing disease.

I love soft music. I love pretty women. But most of all, I love chocolate! Dark chocolate! This article will be good news for all devoted "choco-aholics" like myself. Guess what? Chocolate is good for you. But before you make a route to your nearest chocolate factory, you must know how much and what kind of chocolate to eat. I will also tell you of all of the stunning health benefits. In fact, in this article, I will show you the 5 amazing health benefits of eating daily dark chocolate. Taste buds ready? Let's go.

Dark Chocolate Not Milk Chocolate

All chocolates are not made equal. When it comes to the selection and consumption of the healthy variety, forget about milk chocolate; it is 85% sugar and only 15% cocoa. The secret is in the cocoa. The more cocoa you take percentage-wise, the more health benefits you will obtain. Dark chocolate can contain 60% to 80% cocoa. Now we're talking health benefits!

Flavonoids Is the Health Secret Ingredient Within The Cocoa

Flavonoids are a naturally occurring antioxidant (protector of cell tissue damage and deterioration) that is also found in green tea, red wine and some fruits like blueberries and pomegranates. The more flavonoids that you get into your body, the better.

The 5 Amazing Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Benefit # 1 - The Flavonoids Contained Have Been Shown Beneficial To the Cardiovascular System.

Benefit #2 - Recent Studies Have Shown A Square (6 Grams) Daily Lowered Blood Pressure By Two Points.

Benefit #3 - Daily Dark Chocolate Has Shown To Low LDL "Bad" Cholesterol by About 5 Points.

Benefit #4 - Flavonoids Prevent the Lining of Blood Vessels from Cracking and Becoming Inflamed.

Benefit # 5 - The Anti-Oxidants of the Flavonoids Prevent Tissue and Cell Degeneration.

How Many Squares of Dark Chocolate Should You Eat

Though we are talking about a lot of health benefits, you still need to be careful not to overdo it. You still can get fat by eating too much, and that certainly is not beneficial to your health. One or two squares is about the most that you should eat per day. One square is about 30 calories, but keep in mind also that it has a high fat percentage as well. There's no need to eat the entire bar (or platform). You will gain plenty of health benefits from a square or two.

What Percentage of Cocoa Should Eat Square Contain

I recommend at least 60%. 72% is better. 80% is the best, though the least sweet. My favorite is 72% - not too sweet, not too bitter. Also, one last tip, there is no need to buy the priciest brands. Very high-quality dark chocolate bars are available for $2 to $4 each.

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From Charles Prosper - The 12-Week Fitness Guru

Benefits of dark chocolate... Yes, the legends are true: They do exist!

But, before you go rummaging through year-old Halloween candy and stuffing your face with Snicker's and Tootsie Roll's, there's a few things you need to know.

First, and most importantly, true dark chocolate is usually considered anything at or above 65% cacao.

You're not going to find this percentage mixed in with the Skittles and Gummy Bears, and it does taste a bit different than the sugar-laden milk chocolate you're probably used to, but most convenience and grocery stores do have a few high percentage options to at least take them for a test taste.

Don't worry: Just like with wine, it's an acquired taste for some, and your palette will adjust. I remember the first time I tried 65 percent, and I had to spit it out. I've since worked my way up the cocoa tree to being able to thoroughly enjoy 80-85% (I'm working on the 99, but that's the extreme!).

The higher the percentage of cacao, the more benefits and better nutritional value the chocolate contains.

For example, an average 65% dark chocolate serving would look something like this (these are estimates, as actual numbers will vary, depending on brand, size, etc.): Total Fat 15 g, Sat. Fat 9 g, Sugars 16g, Protein 3g.

Comparatively, an average 99% dark chocolate serving would look something like this (these are estimates, as actual numbers will vary, depending on brand, size, etc.): Total Fat 22 g, Sat. Fat 14 g, Sugars 2g, Protein 5g.

As you can see, the higher up the percentage scale you go, the less sugar and more protein you're going to get.

You may also notice the high fat content, but the majority of this comes from healthy fats (yes, there is such a thing!).

5 Benefits of Dark Chocolate


Studies have shown dark chocolate to lower blood pressure
Studies have also shown dark chocolate to lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
It turns women on more than a passionate kissing session (no wonder they want it for Valentine's Day!)
Contains serotonin, a natural mood-boosting anti-depressant
Stimulates pleasure-inducing endorphin production

Now, even though there are several benefits of dark chocolate, as with anything else, moderation is key. Make sure your chocolate delights fit into your daily caloric needs, and try to work your way up to the highest percentage dark chocolate you can enjoy.

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