Dark chocolate without milk
as an additive is also called plain chocolate. The US Government
calls this sweet chocolate, and requires a 15% concentration
of chocolate liquor. European rules specify a minimum of 35%
cocoa solids.
Dark Chocolate is the healthiest
type of chocolate. Dark chocolate has ingredients that lower
blood pressure and fight disease, but white chocolate and
milk chocolate don't, studies show. It is a potent antioxidant.
Antioxidants remove free radicals which are destructive molecules
that are implicated in heart disease and other illnesses.
It is the cocoa phenols
in the dark chocolate that have been shown to reduce blood
pressure. European chocolates typically have greater concentrations
of cocoa phenols than those from the United States.
However the addition of
milk to create milk chocolate or white chocolate may interfere
with the absorption of antioxidants. So if you want to be
as healthy as possible when eating chocolate then eat dark
chocolate!
