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SUPERFOOD DID YOU KNOW? DARK CHOCOLATE: • Cocoa beans are not actually beans, but rather seeds from the fruit of a cocoa tree. • Cocoa beans are fermented, dried, roasted and crushed into a thick paste called liquor which contains cocoa butter and cocoa solids. • Dark chocolate and its primary ingredient, cocoa, are naturally rich in free radical fighting antioxidants known as flavonoids. • In its original form, cocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate, is the seed of the fruit of the tropical cacao tree. Like many other plants, it possesses many healthful qualities, especially in regards to antioxidant and flavanol. • To get the most flavonoids, look for dark chocolate without alkali or that has not been “dutched.” • The recommended serving for dark chocolate is 1 ounce per day. Look for dark chocolate with 40-70% cocoa bean content or “cacao”. • Milk chocolate is not a good antioxidant source because the milk binds to the antioxidants making them unavailable. • Chocolate contains both saturated and unsaturated fat but does not appear to increase blood cholesterol levels. However, moderation is key. • Studies show dark chocolate has heart protecting properties if consumed in moderation.
