Chocolate is a sweet treat that is fun to eat! But is this yummy food good for you? Well, it depends on the type of chocolate you're eating.
There are different kinds of chocolate, with the major difference being the amount of cocoa in it. Cocoa comes from the cocoa bean, the fruit of the cacao tree. Dark and milk chocolate contain cocoa powder, but white chocolate doesn't. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, with added sugar and milk products. It's technically not chocolate at all!
Cocoa contains plant chemicals called flavanols and polyphenols. Studies show that it has health benefits, like helping to improve our blood circulation, mood and brain function. Dark chocolate has high concentrations of cocoa, so it's viewed as the healthiest type of chocolate.
Despite the benefits, it's best to enjoy in moderation. Too much dark chocolate can cause increased heart rate and nausea. Candy companies have also been in the news recently because of heavy metals found in chocolate bars. Got questions or concerns about healthy snacking? Talk to an adult and ask a health care provider.
If you are looking for more information, take a bite out of these books!
More sweet wonders:
Who invented chocolate?
Who invented ice cream?
What are marshmallows made of?