A new research published in the open access journal Chemistry Central Journal has claimed that chocolates are healthy. The research has revealed that chocolates are rich source of antioxidants.

Chocolates have found to contain more polyphenols and flavanols than fruit juice. The researchers of Hershey Center for Health & Nutrition, has compared cocoa powder and fruit powders for antioxidants and have found that cocoa powder has more antioxidant capacity and greater flavanol content as compared to fruit powder.

Senior Author of the paper, Dr. Debra Miller, said that “Cacao seeds are a Super Fruit providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition”.

Cacao is the antioxidant-rich powdery substance that results when cacao beans are dried. Milk chocolates contain fewer of these powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants in cacao protect against heart disease and cancer.

Studies conducted on chocolates have found that compounds in chocolate can boost good cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help prevent blood clots. A compound called theobromine is found in chocolate which improves blood flow to the heart. Chocolate is a love drug and these findings are great news for chocolate lovers.