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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.

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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