Information is abundant about cocoa and the most delicious product made out of cocoa - chocolate. Hence, we would not want to overload our guests with unnecessary repetition, but will state only the most important facts and myths about chocolate so that, you, the consumer, can make your own mind whether or not to consume chocolate. For more serious information about chocolate, you can visit this page.


Facts: 

1.  6.7 grams of dark chocolate a day reduces the risk of inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease. - Study conducted by the Research Laboratories of Catholic University in Campobasso in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute of Milan.
2. Study, published in Journal for Proteome Research, suggests that consuming 40 grams of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduces levels of stress hormones, thus correcting bio-chemical imbalances. 
3. According to a Spanish research, presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Liver in Vienna, eating dark chocolate (containing 85% cocoa, 0.55 grams per kilogram of body weight a day) reduces damage to blood vessels of cirrhotic patients and lowers blood pressure in the liver.
4. Dr. Karin Reid and a team of researchers from University of Adelaide, Australia, found that consumption of dark chocolate may reduce blood pressure due to vasodilation effect of flavonols, present in chocolate. 
5. A research at the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen shows that dark chocolate is far more filling than milk chocolate, lessening cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods. Hence, it may be an efficient way to reduce calorie intake. 
6. An analysis of available research and presented at the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that eating chocolate may lower risk of stroke or risk of death after a stroke. 

Myths: 

1. Chocolate causes acne
2. Chocolate causes tooth decay
3. Chocolate causes headaches
4. Chocolate cures cancer
5. Chocolate is high in caffeine
6. Chocolate is high in saturated fat and promotes weight gain
7. Chocolate lacks any nutritional value

There is an excellent article by Dato' Steve Yap in the "my Nourishment" magazine (December 2009-March 2010), titled "Chocolate: Nutrient or Vice?" Those interested to read this article can click on the links below.