Written by Rebecca Faulkner, MS, R
Which chocolate is healthier, milk chocolate or dark chocolate? If your answer is dark chocolate, then you are correct.
During processing, cocoa goes through a series of steps, which reduces the natural pungent taste. Flavonoids, which are naturally occurring substances in plants that protects the plant from environmental toxins and damage, gives cocoa a bitter taste. This fighting power, better known as Antioxidant power, protects your body from damaging free radicals and environmental contaminants.
Even more importantly, reports from Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute, suggests that flavonoids maintains the health of blood vessels, and reduce and balance certain hormone-like compounds that play a positive role in heart health.
In comparing dark chocolate to milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains the highest level of flavonoids. This does not mean that you eat a lot of dark chocolate. Instead, enjoy a small piece in 1-2 times a week. You can also add other flavonoid rich foods to your diet such as apples, tea, onions, and cranberries.
This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a small piece of dark chocolate.
Thank you for listening. Have a lovely day and God Bless!
Chocolates & Health
