We all love chocolate as much as kids do. Chocolate lovers will love this blog because the chart above depicts the fact that dark chocolate and cocoa contain more antioxidant capacity than any other fruits or nuts that we normally regard as healthy food, such as strawberries, apples, green tea and red wine. Antioxidants are natural compounds that scientists have discovered can protect your body, promote good health and alleviate signs of aging. Surprised that chocolate is good for health? Many people are. That’s because they forget that chocolate is actually a plant-based food.

What’s more good news is that research has found antioxidants like those found in dark chocolate and cocoa have also been linked to some of the hallmarks of good cardiovascular health such as enhanced blood flow, healthy cholesterol levels and, in some cases, reduced blood pressure. So what does this mean? This means not only eating chocolate makes us feel good, but it will also keep us healthy and reduce the risk of various diseases.

Let’s start eating dark chocolate for the sake of our health. For those who seldom eat chocolate, perhaps you should try from light to dark. Start with light milk chocolate (with the lowest percentage of cacao and usually less bitter), and end with the darkest one. This sets up your taste buds correctly to experience the more intense, more complex and more healthy chocolates. Happy chocolate-ing!