If you enjoy chocolate, you may want to forget the light, milky variety. Why? You don’t have to be a chocolate connoisseur to know that dark chocolate is more than just a tasty treat. But in case you’re not privy to the pros of dark cocoa, here’s a quick rundown:
- Antioxidants. Dark chocolate delivers an array of polyphenol antioxidants that help protect your cells from free radical damage to support overall health. In fact, when compared ounce to ounce, dark chocolate packs in more antioxidants than green tea, blueberries and red wine!
- Minerals. Just one bar of dark chocolate can contain beneficial amounts of essential minerals, including copper, magnesium, potassium and iron.
- Endorphins. A certain compound in chocolate called phenyl ethylamine can stimulate the production of endorphins, which contributes to that “happy” feeling you get when you pop a piece of chocolate in your mouth.
This information is by no means an invitation to indulge in massive amounts of chocolate. Just like any food, dark chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation. Yum!