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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.