Chocolate

Cacao does not raise blood cholesterol, it contains a fair amount of protein, and all three types of energy: fat, carbohydrates and sugar.  Cocoa beans contain approximately 50% fat. It is primarily comprised of two saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids) and one mono-unsaturated acid (oleic acid).  The cacao bean contains quite a lot of carbohydrates, but most of it is starch, soluble dietary fibers, and insoluble dietary fibers. A very small proportion is simple sugars. Sugar is added during the manufacture of chocolate.

Since Cacao contains fat, sugars, carbohydrates and protein, it has historically been used as energy food -- it's energy content is high, 18500 kj/kg (2000 kcal/lb). It also contains high levels of fiber, carbohydrates, B vitamins and anti-oxidant-like substances. Calcium, Phosphates, Vitamins A, C and D occur in smaller quantities.

Chocolate is packed with natural compounds called antioxidants that scientists have discovered can protect your body and promote good health.  These compounds are called flavonoids and include catechins, epicatechins, and procyandins. The antioxidant flavinoids are found in the nonfat portions of the cocoa bean. The flavinoids also reduce the blood's ability to clot and thus reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks.  In fact, ounce for ounce, dark chocolate and cocoa have more antioxidants than do foods like blueberries, green tea, and red wine.

Like olive oil and avocado, Cocoa butter, the form of saturated fat found in Chocolate, does not raise blood cholesterol levels -- only saturated fats derived from animals do, nor is it stored in the ways that saturated fats cause weight gain.  Both cocoa and dark chocolate have been shown to help your arteries relax, widen and maintain their flexibility, which aids in lowering blood pressure.

Nutrition Facts (85% Cacao)

Serving Size: 1.41 oz. (40g)

Calories: 210

Calories from Fat 162.0

% Daily Value 

Total Fat 18g

27%

Saturated Fat 11g

55%

Cholesterol 0mg

0%

Sodium 20mg

0%

Total Carbohydrate 8g

2%

Dietary Fiber 3g

12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 4g

8%

Resources: 

www.allchocolate.com

www.xocoatl.org

www.cacaoweb.net