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Is dark chocolate actually healthy?

We assess whether that tempting idea is too good to be true.

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Dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate’s purported benefits are ascribed to compounds called flavanols, which are particularly abundant in cocoa.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY 

The Economist

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Even young children know that chocolate is a treat, to be savoured on special occasions. But the “dark” variety, which has more cocoa, is touted as healthier and even as a health-booster. Dark chocolate, it is suggested, can alleviate all manner of problems, from high blood pressure to depression, while boosting mental acuity.

Many studies, often paid for by Big Chocolate, hint this may be true. Sadly, the best research debunks the idea.

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