Dark chocolate with more than 70 percent cacao, in moderation, is a surprisingly healthy treat. The chocolate itself is made from cocoa beans and does not naturally contain sugar. (However, most milk chocolate does contain large amounts of sugar.) Dark and semisweet chocolate contain less sugar than milk or white varieties. Dark chocolate also contains significant amounts of fiber and antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavanols. Studies on dark-chocolate consumption indicate that it may help reduce blood pressure,5 insulin resistance6 and heart disease.7 Most milk chocolates, by contrast,
...more