Dark chocolate Health benefits

While traditionally considered purely as a dessert, chocolate actually can be very beneficial to your health.

So how healthy is it?  

Well, it depends.  Milk chocolate and white chocolate (the ones that taste a little better) are higher in sugar and do not have as many health benefits as dark chocolate.  Going to the dark side (with dark chocolate) is actually the way to go, contrary to what Luke Skywalker might tell you.

What is the science behind dark chocolate?  

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavanols, which can help reduce inflammation.  Reducing inflammation in the body can in turn help lessen your musculoskeletal pain.  In addition, dark chocolate may benefit heart health as well as cognitive function.  Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher is associated with the most health benefits.

How much should you eat?  

Most experts recommend three small squares daily, which is about 1 to 2 ounces.