• Chocolate Facts

    Chocolate is the most craved food in the U.S. Americans consume about 11.7 pounds of chocolate per person annually. Why do people crave chocolate?

    Chocolate contains magnesium and there are studies indicating a link between chocolate cravings and the body’s need for this element, or could it be the taste?

    Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavanoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Flavanoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide and help balance certain hormones in the body.

    Chocolate is what is produced after processing the cocoa bean. Cocoa is the true measure of the health benefit of chocolate. The higher the cocoa percentage the higher the health benefit.

    Dark chocolate is good for your heart. Benefits include lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, according to studies. Other benefits include stimulation of endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin acts as an anti-depressant and theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants.