An ounce of dark chocolate a day!

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. Dark chocolate is high in fiber, iron, magnesium and copper. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants as well. It can also improve the blood flow and small decrease in blood pressure. Consuming dark chocolate also shows a decrease in heart disease risk. The flavanols from cocoa can improve the blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage. These flavanols have a very positive effect on heart health.

Dark chocolate comes with some great health benefits. Such as protection from disease-causing free radicals, potential cancer prevention, improved heart health, good for overall cholesterol profile, better cognitive function, blood pressure and blood sugar aid, and antioxidant-rich food. Dark chocolate typically contains between 70 percent to 99 percent pure cacoa or cocoa solids. Some set the standard for dark chocolate even lower at 60 percent or less. The FDA does not have a standard of identity for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are not really beans. They’re the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. To make dark chocolate, the seeds are dried and then processed to ultimately produce the hardened bars. Who knew??

One ounce of dark chocolate with 70 percent to 85 percent cacao solids contains around:

• 168 calories

• 12.8g carbohydrates

• 2.2g protein

• 12g fat

• 3.1g fiber

• 0.5mg manganese

• 0.5mg copper

• 3.3mg iron

• 63.8mg magnesium

• 86.2mg phosphorus

• 200mg potassium

• 0.9mg zinc

• 2mcg vitamin K

• 1.9mcg selenium

• 20.4mg calcium