It is hard to find someone that does not like milk chocolate. However, for many people dark chocolate is an acquired taste. Then there are others who prefer the strong taste of dark chocolate over the sweet taste of milk chocolate. No matter which camp you fall into, you should be glad to learn that it has been recently discovered that the dark variety is actually good for you.
The beneficial properties in this sweet treat are called flavonoids. Flavonoids are also present in other healthy foods like apples, cranberries, red wine, and tea. These compounds are beneficial to the human body because they act as antioxidants that work to protect the cells from damage from free radicals.
In addition to the antioxidant properties of the flavonoids found in chocolate, they are also thought to relax blood vessels, reduce platelet activation, balance hormones that affect heart health, prevent plaque formation, and prevent elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
What all this means is that dark chocolate may be good for your heart health. That should give you peace of mind when you have the urge to indulge in this delectable treat. Of course, common sense should prevail because chocolate is a high calorie food so it should not be eaten in excess.
Dark chocolate is available in many forms today from candy bars to gourmet bon bons. In fact, a gourmet gift basket filled with a variety of these chocolates would make a great gift. Imagine how delicious a strawberry cream or orange candy would be covered in silky decadent dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is made from cacao and is the least processed which is why it retains the most flavonoids. Cocoa butter and powdered sugar are added to the cacao but milk is omitted. It is sometimes labeled according to the percent of cacao; the higher the percentage of cacao, the stronger the taste.
Many people prefer the much sweeter taste of milk chocolate since that is what most candy is made from that we eat as kids. The dark variety was once reserved for grown-up palates. However, since the health benefits have become well known, it is now common to find dark chocolate versions of your favorite candy. More and more people are being introduced to this unique sweet treat.
Whether you are buying sweets for yourself or as a gift for some lucky friend, you are sure to find suitable gourmet gift baskets and boxes of dark chocolates that will make your mouth water and your heart smile.
Show your friends you care about their health and their sweet tooth with the gift of dark chocolate gourmet candies. You don't have to drive all over town to find them, you can conveniently order online at Indulge In Chocolate http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com.
Ryan Wilson
If you would like to see our excellent selection of chocolates, visit our website: http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com
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