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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.

Adam Leeds is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about heart benefits [http://hearthealthblog.info/heart-benefits-from-dark-chocolate/], please visit Heart Health Blog [http://hearthealthblog.info/] for current articles and discussions.

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.

Kimberly C. Smith is an aspiring writer with a different perspective. Visit http://www.HealthAndMoneyMatters.webs.com to browse a variety of interesting topics. Join this growing community FREE by clicking http://healthandmoneymatters.webs.com/apps/auth/signup.