September 27th, 2008 
Von COMPARED TO MILK CHOCOLATE or white chocolate, dark chocolate isn’t exactly top-of-mind for most chocoholics because of its somewhat bitter taste. However, when you consider the tremendous health benefits that dark chocolate gives, you may soon start giving this less celebrated chocolate variant a bit more consideration.
In its report, the American Association for the Advancement of Science says dark chocolate is richest in flavonoids, potent plant compounds that slow down the processing of bad or LDL cholesterol into material that clogs the arteries.
Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids because of the way that it is processed. Milk chocolate, which also has added butterfat, contains fewer flavonoids, while cocoa powder and chocolate syrups are currently processed with a method that removes most of the flavonoids.
In fact, a study by researchers from Scotland’s University of Glasgow ans Italy’s National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research, say that dark chocolate is a useful supplement to a balanced diet but it should not be a substitute for five pieces of fruit and vegetables each day. A small bar of chocolate each day is enough.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
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