Dark Chocolate Research Findings

Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate

FALSE    Dark chocolate often contains equal or even greater levels of sugar than milk chocolate. However, the higher percentage of cacao makes it taste dark and bitter.

Dark Chocolate contains many antioxidants

TRUE    Dark chocolate contains a high amount of antioxidants. Strawberries are well-known for their plentiful antioxidants, but chocolate has nearly 8 times as many!  

Dark Chocolate can prevent heart disease

TRUE    These antioxidants found in dark chocolate destroy harmful molecules called free radicals that can cause heart disease. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food, or when exposed to environmental harm. They can seriously damage cells, in addition to contributing to heart disease, cancer, and other deadly ailments.

Dark Chocolate contains health benefits like those in many dark vegetables

TRUE     Chocolate is made from the cacao plant, which means that it contains many of the same compounds as vegetables. Chocolate is full of flavonoids, which help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide. Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. Usually, flavonoids are only found in plants such as vegetables, but now there is a tastier way to reap the profits!

Chocolate, although helpful, causes cavities and is harmful to your teeth

FALSE    Put the myths aside, and save a trip to the dentist! Chocolate does not actually harm your teeth nearly as much people assume it does. Chocolate actually contains sugars that fight decaying bacteria, thus helping keep your teeth healthy. That’s still no excuse to not brush your teeth, though!

Milk Chocolate is not healthy like dark chocolate

TRUE    Studies show that lactose in milk may interfere with the absorption of helpful antioxidants in dark chocolate. Therefore, milk chocolate is cancelling out all the potential health benefits of the cacao.  Choose dark chocolate instead whenever possible.

Chocolate contains high levels of caffeine

FALSE    A typical serving of chocolate actually contains relatively small amounts of caffeine. Although dark chocolate does contain more caffeine, chocolate generally contains about the same amount of a 8 oz cup of decaffeinated coffee.