Is chocolate really a superfood?
DCL
A new study reported in WebMD leaves health professionals questioning results. First off, the study was conducted by Hershey Company (ah what?) and published in Chemistry Central Journal. The study compares the total flavonol and polyphenol content as well as antioxidant activity content of cocoa powder and dark chocolate vs. superfoods like acai, blueberry, cranberry, and pomegranate.
Researchers found a higher level of antioxidant activity in cocoa powder than some of the other antioxidant-laden superfoods to which it was compared. But a review of the story and study on Health News Review brings up some important questions. For example, most chocolate sold in the U.S. is nothing more than sugary candy, including Hershey's candy bars. And even more importantly, serving size matters. If you eat an entire candy bar, whether it's dark chocolate or not, expect an expanded waistline, rather than the benefits of antioxidants.
Keep reading to learn more about chocolate and see if you can separate fact from fiction.
