Trivia: Chocolate and Health

from Madrid Agribusiness Digest Feb 2009 Vol.19 No.10

• Chocolate has rich antioxidants which can help prevent conditions such as cancer and heart disease
• It can enhance our immune system and give a feeling of well-being
• Cocoa contains one of the highest natural sources of magnesium, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and hypertension.
• Cocoa contains antioxidant compound called polyphenols, including the procyanidins epicatechin and catechin. The amount of polyphenols in milk chocolate is equivalent to that of five servings of fruits and vegetables.

Measurement of polyphenol content in 1.25 ounces of cocoa products:

• Milk Chocolate: 300 mg
• Dark Chocolate: 700 mg
• Cocoa Powder: 1,300 mg 

Trivia: Dark and White Chocolate

The character and flavor of chocolate are highly affected by the percentage of cacao in it. The more cacao it has, the more intense the flavor. 

There is a legal definition of what chocolate must consist of:

dark must have at least 35% dry cocoa solids,

while white must have at least 25%