According to the US Department of Commerce, in 1997 the average American ate 11.7 pounds of chocolate. Researchers are now telling us that we can have our chocolate and eat it too. The fat in chocolate will raise cholesterol. A study where subjects ate a 1.4 oz. Chocolate doesn't have many vitamins or minerals.
Solid chocolate is a major source of copper and magnesium.
Copper helps the body use iron and aids in the development of connective tissue, blood vessels, and skin. Magnesium is part of the bone structure. It also has a role in the nervous system and in the break down of protein. Children will get even more of these valued nutrients when offered chocolate milk because they tend to drink two-thirds more chocolate milk versus plain milk. Chocolate is high in caffeine.