Image by GETTY IMAGES || Source PERFECTION CHOCOLATES ||
But that doesn’t mean we can all run down to the convenience store and buy a block of chocolate. Beware of the many forms of dark chocolate that are on the shelves these days. Chocolatier John Kapos from Perfection Chocolates states that, “High quality dark chocolate that contains more than 70% more of cocoa solids will actually be a health benefit to us and It’s all thanks to a group of chemicals known as flavonoids which can have antioxidant properties and improve arterial function“
Dark chocolate is made from roasted pulverised natural cocoa beans. High-quality dark chocolate made with 70% or more of cocoa solids is high in polyphenols which is a powerful, natural antioxidant that works to protect cells from free radicals that cause ill-health and disease.
In dark chocolate, the essential ingredient containing flavonoids is cocoa and these chemicals help to protect us from damage to the heart and vessels, control inflammation and guard our DNA from any damage that can lead to cancer.
In general, the darker the chocolate the more flavonoids you’ll find – so opt for a chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 per cent. And always eat chocolate in moderation.
A great shop for everything chocolate is Perfection Chocolates in Rose Bay where chocolatier John Kapos makes his own chocolate on site. My favourite is their Perfection Chilli Dark Chocolate Block. It’s got a bit of bite, but great for the metabolism.
