Is Chocolate Really Good For Us?

There is good news for those of you who are dark chocolate lovers. Recent studies have shown that some of the ingredients of dark chocolate contain some very beneficial properties. The main ingredient, a class of compounds called polyphenols are also potent antioxidants, which means that they reduce inflammation and have anti-aging properties. Studies published this year have shown that daily intake of dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, and improves glucose tolerance, meaning that it may help control and prevent diabetes. It also lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, in part by increasing HDL, the "good" cholesterol. Our truffles are low-fat containing only 4 mg of fat and contain lower than normal doses of sugar at only 5 mg. These very low concentrations of fat and sugar are much lower than doses found in many mainstream brands of chocolate. The benefit of our low doses of fat and sugar is that the beneficial effects of the polyphenols are preserved. This is due to the fact that if chocolate contains large doses of fats and sugars, then the effects of polyphenols are cancelled out. So have no guilt the next time you eat another XTZ chocolate.

It was also reported this year that coffee contains good antioxidant polyphenols too. Tea may be an even better source, along with red wine! Remember this the next time you drink one of our XTZ Teas or Turboccino Coffee Drink Mix. Not only are you getting a great buzz, you consuming polyphenols that will act as antioxidants.