Dark Chocolate Healthier Than Fruit Juice

Reported in the Chemistry Central Journal last week, dark chocolate may be healthier than fruit juice. This doesn't surprise me, but with any study, look at the facts and look at who funded the study. The study reported that dark chocolate and cocoa have more anti-oxidant capacity than fruit juice. You probably already know that chocolate products also have more heart-healthy flavanols and polyphenol. 

"When looking for a sweet snack, a square of dark chocolate might, in fact, be your healthiest choice," said Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. She wasn't surprised by the findings, noting the anti-oxidants keep arteries in tip-top shape and help prevent heart disease. The study, conducted by the Hershey Company, compared cocoa powder and products with fruit-based powders and juices. Cocoa came out ahead on the anti-oxidant scale over blueberry, cranberry and pomegranate powder.

The differences between pomegranate juice and dark chocolate weren't significant, researchers found.
Still, dark chocolate exceeded other juices in the anti-oxidant test.

"Cacao seeds should be considered a 'superfruit' and products derived from cacao seed extracts, such as natural cocoa powder and dark chocolate, as 'superfoods,'" the researchers said.
Dark chocolate long has been touted for its health benefits, including lowering blood pressure.

So grab a piece of dark chocolate and wash it down with pomegranate juice!