Just about everyone loves the taste of chocolate. Well the news is out that chocolate can actually benefit the body. Although the dark chocolate is bitterer than the semi-sweet the health benefits of dark chocolate are greater. Along with dark chocolate consuming red wine and green tea also have great health benefits. The main key is moderation, as with any indulgence of passion.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants. There is a strong belief that antioxidants can reduce your chances of cardiac disease, cancer, and even high blood pressure. In addition these antioxidants improve endothelial cells, your digestive process, and kidney function. Dark chocolate helps fight bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves the circulation of blood from the heart to the brain. Furthermore there is belief that it has similar effects as aspirin does on the body in preventing stroke and heart attack (inhibiting platelet aggregation).

In the chocolate are flavonoids. These flavonoids interact with the natural antioxidation system in the body (the vitamins and enzymes). The flavonoids itself is not the actual benefit it is the reaction inside of the body that is tipped off by the ingestion of these powerful plant derived elements. When there is an imbalance of between the antioxidants and free radicals a level of oxidative stress is place on the body that will cause cellular damage. People suffering from anemia and kidney stones have been treated with flavonoids. Flavonoids that are found in chocolate have been used to help people who suffer from anemia, a poor appetite and kidney stones.

Where Do You Find Flavonoids? Fruits Vegetables (onions, parsley, legumes) Teas Wines (grape skins)

The body uses minerals such as copper and magnesium to maintain a functioning heart and blood pressure. Experts point to the dried extract of roasted cocoa beans as one of the best sources for dark chocolate. If you cannot consume the extract, then eating a 1.6-ounce chocolate bar is the second best option. This should introduce just an ample amount of ingredients to achieve some effect. Be aware however that chocolate is fattening and it contains caffeine so never overdo a good thing. There are several brand s of chocolate available on the market today and each person has to find a suitable taste for him or her. By eating only 2-3 squares of chocolate can be of great benefit to the body.

Eating chocolate is not the only way to keep a heart healthy. There are some specific contents in the chocolate that help. The most beneficial is the dark chocolate because of the flavonoids that it contains. Oddly enough the manufactures of the chocolate destroyed many of the flavonoids in the early days. Since the discovery of the health effects, manufacturers work very hard to maintain 95% of it in the product. Since the taste of dark chocolate is bitterer than semi-sweet, consider buying one with almonds and raisins of one of each. This can add a little flair and variety to the bar.