Chocolate Is Healthy

We loved this article from the Cleveland Clinic addressing the heart health benefits of chocolate.  It explains flavonoids and antioxidants in layman’s terms.  It also discusses myths about fat in chocolate, as well as the best forms of chocolate to consume.

An excerpt:

“Before you grab a chocolate candy bar or slice of chocolate cake, let’s look at what forms of chocolate would be ideal over others:

• When cocoa is processed into your favorite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce its naturally pungent taste. Flavonoids (polyphenols) provide this pungent taste. The more chocolate is processed (such as fermentation, alkalizing, roasting), the more flavonoids are lost. Most commercial chocolates fit this category.
• Dark chocolate appears to retain the highest level of flavonoids. So your best bet is to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
• Some chocolate manufacturers are studying ways to retain the highest level of flavonoids while still providing acceptable taste. Stay tuned for more information in this area.”

Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled.