Cocoa beans are processed into cocoa solids, and these solids contain antioxidants that are thought to be helpful in battling high blood pressure, heart disease, arterial plaque, cancer and stroke. Pure, dark, unsweetened chocolate tastes bitter...
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...
Chocolate is mostly viewed as a part of a poor diet that results in health issues like diabetes and obesity. The right kinds of chocolate in moderation -- or no more than 3 ounces a day -- can actually be healthy for your body. This is especially...
While dark chocolate has health benefits, particularly for your heart, you can't eat as much as you'd like. In addition to flavenols that act as antioxidants, substances that can reduce cell damage, dark chocolate also contains sugar and fats,...
Dark chocolate is a healthier alternative to milk chocolate snacks and candy bars. Although no studies have been performed on the specific effects of dark chocolate on the gallbladder, the high quantities of antioxidants, phytochemicals and...
About half of all Americans eat chocolate a few times a week. Sixty-four percent opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate or bars containing raisins, nuts or nougat, according to Barry Callebaut, a worldwide chocolate producer. While this treat...
Chocolate may not be such a guilty pleasure after all. If you choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate or white chocolate, it may provide a number of health benefits. Milk chocolate and dark chocolate eaten along with milk do not provide the same...
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...
Dark chocolate is widely touted for improving health due to its antioxidant content. The news is good for many Americans who enjoy the flavor of the treat. In 2007, Americans purchased nearly $2 billion of dark chocolate, in part due to its...
Americans consume 3 billion pounds of chocolate a year, the equivalent of 114 candy bars per person. For decades, people viewed chocolate as a decadent indulgence, but in recent years, research has shown that in addition to its taste appeal, dark...
Because dark chocolate is relatively high in both fat and calories, it's not an optimal food for weight loss. However, eating it regularly may provide health benefits that losing weight can also bring, and it's possible to include dark chocolate...
Dark chocolate can fall into the following categories: sweet, semi-sweet, bittersweet and unsweetened. The ingredients used for making dark chocolate are cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, lecithin and vanillin. Unsweetened chocolate does not use...
Many people already realize that carbonated beverages and salty foods lead to water retention and stomach bloating. Some may believe that they are doing all they can do to get a flat stomach by reducing fried foods and excess carbohydrates....
Dark chocolate, also known as bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, not only tastes decadent but also can boost your health. Known for its rich flavor, dark chocolate can be eaten alone or added to recipes. Research has shown a number of health...
Chocolate, in its natural state, has a bitter taste and is rich with antioxidants. Most candies that are sold in supermarkets have added sugars and fats that improve the chocolate's taste and make it more desirable to eat. However, these additives...
Chocolate lovers can celebrate: The evidence that dark chocolate is good for your health just keeps piling up. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, plant compounds with potent antioxidant activity. In fact, Natural Solutions magazine reports...
Dark chocolate is considered a "cheat" food by many individuals, but there actual health benefits from eating a moderate amount. It does contain a significant amount of magnesium, a mineral your body needs for a variety of functions....
In moderation, chocolate candy provides healthy nutrients to your diet, according to MayoClinic.com. The sweet concoctions made from cocoa beans help to reduce the risk of developing heart disease while satisfying your sweet tooth. At the same...
One Ghirardelli chocolate square won't add too significantly to your daily calorie intake, but four squares are considered a serving, according to CalorieKing. The calories, fat and sugar in a whole serving can really add up, so enjoy in moderation.
If stressful situations have you reaching for chocolate, congratulations! You're making a wise dietary choice, as long as you choose the right type of chocolate and keep your consumption to a reasonable level. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids,...
Dark chocolate and the cacao beans from which it comes may have abundant enough quantities of antioxidants to deliver significant health benefits. However, the vehicle from which you get those disease-fighting compounds matters. A brownie is a...
You may not consider chocolate to be a health food, but adding dark chocolate to your diet may benefit your health in many ways. Dark chocolate contains several beneficial compounds that will boost your health. Look for a dark chocolate bar with...
Cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate can provide several health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and reducing the risk for heart disease. Dark chocolate may also reduce your craving for unhealthy foods by providing a...
For years chocolate was included in a broad category of foods that were bad for you, but recent research is showing dark chocolate may actually come closer to being a health food. Scientists have linked cocoa and other chocolates to benefits such...
Eating a daily dose of chocolate not only provides a delectable treat, but remarkable health benefits as well, especially if you consume dark chocolate. Both the Cleveland Clinic and American Society for Nutrition extol the virtues of adding...
Recent research has revealed that dark chocolate has a number of health benefits. Dark chocolate is abundant in flavonoids, which have been found to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Dark chocolate cocoa mixes are a good way to enjoy rich,...
It might be hard to think of that favorite dessert confection -- yes, chocolate -- as a plant. It's true, chocolate comes from the cocoa bean. Although chocolate now comes pre-packaged in all shapes, colors and sizes, dark chocolate is closest to...
Dark chocolate has its advantages and disadvantages. A growing body of research shows that chocolate, especially the dark variety, can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and can improve overall mood. Chocolate contains flavonols, which are...
Dark chocolate has many pluses. While you don't want to eat an excessive amount of chocolate each day, you shouldn't be afraid of indulging in just 1 or 2 oz. daily. Although chocolate contains fat, it's a type of fat that doesn't affect your...
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.