Dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids, antioxidants that have been shown in medical studies to offer protection to the vascular system, heart and brain. As more studies associate an increasing number of health benefits to its high anti-oxidant...
It's easy to forget that chocolate is derived from a plant since it tastes so creamy and rich. But since it does come from a plant source (the cacao plant, to be more precise) it also contains cell-protective phytochemicals, more commonly...
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are popular in cookies and other baked goods because of their rich taste. The sugar content is less than in regular chocolate chips, but the fat content is high, so enjoy them in moderation.
Dark chocolate is typically made with fat, sugar and cocoa. Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains little or no milk. Dark chocolate is available in many concentrations, based on a percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate. Although 99...
When it comes to sweet treats, it is difficult to find options that provide health and nutrition benefits. For a candy that satisfies your sweet tooth while offering fiber, iron and antioxidants, try dark chocolate. The darker and less processed...
Dark chocolate provides antioxidant benefits that may improve your cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, women who eat a moderate amount of high quality dark chocolate have a lower risk of heart failure than those who do not...
Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in a wide variety of foods that protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals. They are said to guard against cancer and heart disease, boost the immune system, and keep...
You have the Aztecs to thank for the chocolate you enjoy today. They believed that the cacoa tree was given to them from paradise and that when eaten, you gained both wisdom and power. The Aztecs presented cacoa to the explorer Hernando Cortes as...
Cortisol is a hormone that serves certain important functions such as maintaining proper blood sugar, regulating blood pressure and enhancing your immune system. However, having prolonged high levels of cortisol in your body may lead to unhealthy...
It seems amazing that one of the world's favorite flavors has been promoted for its health benefits. Chocolate comes from the cacao plant, rich in flavonoids, a well-known antioxidant, which is also found in tea, grapes, grapefruit and wine....
Dark chocolate can offer you flavor, satisfaction and even health benefits. The University of Michigan Health System includes dark chocolate as part of a well-balanced, plant-based diet. They include dark chocolate as one of the foods that can...
Chocolate lovers have been around a long time. Sixteenth-century Aztec Emperor Montezuma reportedly claimed cocoa-rich chocolate was a divine drink of the gods, able to build up resistance and fight fatigue. Chocolate's healthful effects are...
Hershey's Special Dark Kisses have a more intense chocolate flavor than milk chocolate Kisses. With less sugar and the added benefits of antioxidants, they are good as a treat enjoyed in moderation.
Healthy habits such as washing your hands, exercising daily, avoiding cigarettes and getting medical checkups can help you bolster your immune system. What you eat can also influence your health. In fact, a diet that's rich in fruits, whole...
To the Aztecs, the cacao bean was the food of the gods. The beans are the basic ingredient of chocolate. Recent research has suggested dark chocolate offers some health benefits. Raw cacao beans are an increasingly popular alternative to...
You need to get rid of chest acne fast but typical acne treatments need time to work. Moreover, the harsh ingredients found in common acne treatments may cause dry patches on the skin, increasing the overall time to clear up acne breakouts. Facial...
The health benefits of the antioxidants in dark chocolate are becoming well-known. Lindt makes several dark chocolate products that provide these benefits. However, because of the high fat and sugar content of chocolate, it should be enjoyed in...
Lindor truffles are made by the Swiss chocolatier Lindt. Lindt creates two different kinds of dark chocolate truffles. Dark chocolate contains healthy antioxidants, but due to high fat content you should consume it in moderation.
Game days are notorious for big bowls of chips, dips and desserts. Hundreds of empty calories can be consumed within a few hours of watching your favorite team play. If you are trying to watch your waistline while you watch the big game, there are...
Chocolate-covered cashews are high in calories. However, they can still be a part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation.
Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, and if you eat a small amount of dark chocolate on a regular basis, it can help reduce your blood pressure. Learn about the pros and cons of dark chocolate as a health food, how much dark chocolate...
Dark chocolate, which is slightly less sweet than milk chocolate, goes through less processing than milk chocolate and has no added milk. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which may protect cells and body chemicals against free radicals that...
Baking cocoa is a staple of kitchens around the world. By itself, it does not contain many calories, but when you add butter and sugar to it, the calorie count increases dramatically.
It can be difficult to make good food choices when living with hypertension. But you can do more than just eliminate food from your diet to improve your condition. By adding foods that have components and nutrients to combat high blood pressure,...
Chocolate truffles are made with ganache -- a smooth mixture of chocolate and cream -- and rolled in cocoa powder or other coating. Dark chocolate truffles use chocolate that contains at least 60 percent cocoa solids and less sugar than regular...
Eating chocolate can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study performed in Germany by the European Society of Cardiology and published in 2010 in the "European Heart Journal." If you have high...
Flavonols, which give cocoa its pungent taste, may promote health benefits. Flavonols are antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease. Chocolate may also have beneficial effects on mood. Stick to less than an ounce per day to reap the...
Cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain cocoa solids -- the proteins and other nutrients that make up cocoa powder -- as well as cocoa butter, which contains fatty acids and other nutrients. The relative mix of cocoa solids and cocoa butter...
The antioxidants in dark chocolate may help lower low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, particularly before age 50, according to MedlinePlus. Dark chocolate also shows favorable potential in raising high-density lipoprotein, or good...
Chocolate has been a delicacy for hundreds of years. Try out some tips for buying chocolate in this healthy shopping video.
Cocoa is an antioxidant in dark chocolate that can help reduce your risk to cancer. Learn more about candy and satisfying your sweet tooth in this healthy shopping video.