It is worth considering these studies, however, as the findings prove to be very interesting. Polyphenols help guard the body's cells from damage by free radicals. The particular substances arousing so much interest are catechins which are a type of polyphenol. It is these catechins which aid resistance against degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Catechins can also be found in fruits and vegetables, but the body needs to capture as many different types of catechins as possible such as those found in tea and chocolate.
Dark chocolate has higher concentrations of catechins due to higher levels of cocoa.
Although chocolate has often been condemned due to it's high saturated fat content, the most predominant saturated fat in chocolate, stearic acid, does not have the same cholesterolaemic effect as other saturated fats. Recent research suggests that stearic acid functions unlike other saturated fats in that it has been shown to have a neutral effect on blood cholesterol, an important risk factor for coronary heart disease, while other saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels. Stearic acid can be found in meat fat, some margarines, and chocolate. We must still remember though that chocolate is a high-fat food and must be consumed in moderation as part of an otherwise nutritious diet. Chocolate eaten this way has a lower energy density.