The FDA has weighed in on the infamous myth that chocolate is actually good for you. The research shows that consumption of cocoa flavanols may reduce the risk of heart disease by 27%. The findings are not conclusive, but suggest that cocoa flavanols, which are a form of antioxidants, can have nutritional benefits depending on the serving. In order for chocolate and candy companies to claim that their products are heart healthy, they have to have at least 4% naturally conserved cocoa flavanols. The more bitter the chocolate, the better. Dark chocolate is the preferred option among researchers since it has iron, magnesium, zinc, and a higher concentration of cocoa flavanols.
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