Chocolate Bar Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Bar Nutrition Facts

On the good side, chocolate in its pure form has been known for centuries to possess nutritional benefits. Although ancient Mesoamericans may not have known the scientific reasons, they valued cocoa as a nutritional food. In recent years, scientific studies have been discovering the reasons behind what these ancients knew. Without getting into all of the technical discussion about flavonoids, polyphenol, procyanidins and phytonutrients, scientific studies have shown that chocolate, more specifically, pure cocoa from the cacao plant, is a great source of antioxidants. Why are antioxidants important? These nutrients help to improve the body's oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and are believed to combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a process associated with some neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Some studies also suggest that antioxidants help the body fight cancer. As one can see, pure "chocolate" (cocoa) is actually a good thing. It's not the chocolate that harms our bodies, but, rather the processes and additives used to make many of the confectionery type chocolate "candy" we love.

Even better news - it is possible to enjoy the great taste of dark chocolate and cocoa products and realize its healthy benefits. The keys are finding products that are not stripped of the nutritional components they naturally possess. When looking for healthy chocolate products, look for those that have not been alkylized (as in the "dutching" process used to make many confectionery products). Also, look for chocolates that have been dried and cool-pressed rather than roasted as temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit destroy the antioxidants.

Chocolate Bar Nutrition Facts