Very dark chocolate is becoming increasingly popular in a culture that loves indulgent foods but want an indulgent food that will offer nutritional benefits. In the past, the favorite type of chocolate preferred by all age groups was milk chocolate, but now the gap is narrowing and almost as many consumers prefer dark chocolate as those who prefer milk chocolate. Many consumers are wondering just why very dark chocolate is becoming the new trend and the new preference by health conscious consumers. Many quickly learn that you can accustom yourself to very dark chocolate in the same way as powerful wines.

Here are some of the many reasons dark chocolate is regaining the world-wide popularity it once had 3000 years back when it came in the form of a bitter drink.

Very Dark Chocolate Grows on You

Almost everyone new to very dark chocolate is shocked by how bitter it is. Chocolate can be a strong flavor without sugar and milk to hold it back.

But give it a week and nibble at it and it grows on you. You taste the terrific complexity and it becomes even more addicting than people who turn to black coffee.

Soon many are hooked and can never go back to milk chocolate. White chocolate taste like pure sugar. And the kicker is that dark chocolate is good for you.

The Higher the Cacao Content, The More Nutritious

Chocolate is made from the seed of a cocoa tree, and the darker the chocolate, the higher the cacao content. As one the best sources of antioxidants on earth, cocoa seeds can truly help individuals lower their risks and improve their health in the process. Studies have uncovered that quality dark chocolate bars that have 70 to 85% cacao content are the most nutritious. Not only do these bars contain a high amount of soluble fiber, they also contain high amounts of Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium and Phosphorus.

Your Source Of Powerful Antioxidants

Did you know that very dark chocolate can actually absorb the free radicals found in your body and disarm them? This is because the cocoa seed is one of the most powerful organic compounds that functions as an antioxidant. Dark chocolate contains flavanols, polyphenols, and catechins that are found in fruits like blueberries and Acai but in much higher levels.

Very Dark Chocolate Can Improve Blood Flow

Many people say that drinking coffee black is an acquired taste, but these individuals choose to take their coffee black because of the health benefits of ditching the creamer and the sweetener. Very dark chocolate is also an acquired taste because it can be extremely bitter to the untrained pallet, but once individuals do adapt to the taste they lean towards satisfying their urge for chocolate with a healthier and darker alternative. Another reason why many people are choosing to consume dark chocolate is because it stimulates the lining of the arteries to produce gas. This improves blood flow and will ultimately help individuals lower their blood pressure.

Darker Chocolate Choices May Improve Your Complexion

There are obvious health benefits associated with consuming dark chocolate, but there are cosmetic benefits as well. As individuals age, their skin may start to show signs of sun-induced damage due to a loss of blood flow or hydration. By eating very dark chocolate, which contains flavanols that improve blood flow, the skin is able to be exposed to more UVB rays without getting red. In addition, the flavanols will improve hydration, which improves the skin’s complexion.

There is considerable evidence that dark chocolate with high cacao content harnesses powerful health benefits and even some mental health benefits. With the increase in popularity of very dark chocolate, more and more companies are selling chocolate bars with 80% cacao content or higher. Three of the most popular dark chocolates you can purchase include: Scharffen Berger (82% cacao content), Pralus Fortissima (80% cacao content) and Chocolove (77% cacao content). Each of these options have their own unique flavors, from mild or strong to subtly bitter. No matter which chocolate is chosen, the bittersweet dark chocolates can deliver benefits that sweeter milk chocolates do not.