9. Dark Chocolate
Although there is cocoa in both dark and milk chocolate, the amount of dark chocolate is much greater. Typical milk chocolate, in fact, contains 10 to 50 percent cocoa, while typical dark chocolate has around 60 to 99 percent cocoa as its key ingredient. Also, there is usually a lot of sugar in milk chocolate and low-quality vegetable fats like palm oil are also added. In comparison, dark chocolate can contain very little sugar, especially if it is high in cocoa solids. Thanks to its exorbitant amounts of polyphenols and flavonols, Cocoa has been found to be one of the healthiest foods, exerting a full spectrum of potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of multiple health benefits. By raising the levels of nitric oxide, it can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. With no less than 70% cocoa content, aim for high-quality dark chocolate.
