Dark Chocolate

What is dark chocolate? It's a refined cacao product with sugar and fat. Cacao comes from the cacao bean which grows in cacao pods on cacao trees. Cacao trees are a colorful treasure that grow naturally in West Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, Togo and Mexico. Dark chocolate has much less milk and fat than traditional milk chocolate. The percentage of cacao in dark chocolate can vary widely, but experts say that 80% cacao is needed for the true health benefits to be realized. Amazing health benefits have been associated with dark chocolate and can be attributed to a special ingredient called catechins. Flavanoids are a popular term for the source of health benefits - Catechins are a subgroup within the flavanoid family.

Dark Chocolate Heart Benefits - Convincing information that dark chocolate can reduce risk of heart attack.
Flavonoids in Dark Chocolate - Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function.
Theobromine in Dark Chocolate - Thobromine and caffeine are what make dark chocolate addictive.
Dark Chocolate and Arteries - Arteriel function is benefitted by dark chocolate.
Why We Love Dark Chocolate - Includes recommendations on good dark chocolate bars.
Dark Chocolate and Blood Pressure - Reducing blood pressure with dark chocolate
Antioxidants in Cocoa - Cocoa powder contained the highest levels of TAC and procyanidins.
Heart Healthy Chocolate - Epicatechin, found in chocolate, is linked to improved circulation and cardiovascular health.
Chocolate and Platelets - Chocolate inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma.
Dark Chocolate Increases HDL Cholesterol? - Dark chocolate may contribute to the reduction of lipid peroxidation.
Dark Chocolate Calories - Detailed info from WebMD about calories in Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate - Gifts and Gift baskets. An amazing selection of dark chocolate from Chocolate.com
Dark Chocolate to Heal the Liver - Dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure and heal blood vessels damaged in the liver.