America's favorite treat has long been stigmatized by it's high content of sugar and fat. Recent studies, though, reveal that chocolate may actually have some healthy benefits for the heart. It has already been proven that chocolate has a euphoric effect on the brain, almost mimicking the effects of marijuana . According to the ACRI, antioxidants are very important to health. They help to reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants also offer some anti-aging benefits.
The positive effects of antioxidants in chocolate, known as flavanoids, have just recently been discovered, in the past two to three years. When researchers gave their subjects chocolate to eat, they observed increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A high ratio of HDL cholesterol to low-density lipoprotein can also help reduce the heart disease risk. Most flavanoid research is funded by the chocolate industry. Despite this, a top public affairs official at the Chocolate Manufacturers Association in McLean, VA, says there is no need to be skeptical.