Chocolate comes from the seed of a cocoa tree, so that makes it healthy, right? It turns out, the answer is yes! Who knew eating dark marshmallow cups could be good for you? If you’re wondering just what makes dark chocolate so healthy, read on. 

• Dark chocolate has tons of fiber and minerals. Chocolate that is 70 to 85 percent cacao contains iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, not to mention soluble fiber.
• It’s a great source of antioxidants. Flavanols, polyphenols, and catechins are all organic compounds that function as antioxidants. Scientific research has shown that dark chocolate contains more antioxidant power than blueberries or even acai berries.
• Dark chocolate can help improve risk factors for heart disease. Cocoa powder has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Dark chocolate might help lower blood pressure. Flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate nitric oxide production in the lining of the arteries. This causes arteries to relax, which reduces blood pressure.
• Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death.

So the next time you’re craving dark chocolate, go ahead and indulge!