According to new research which found that gram for gram chocolate was higher in antitoxins than 'superfruits'

It's hardly earth shattering enough to begin a trading war on the Terrace between Theobroma Cacao and Andreas Georghiou, but news that dark chocolate is richer in health-boosting antioxidants than some so-called ‘superfruits’ has certainly been welcomed by the chocoholics of Chiswick.

Research, carried out by American chocolate giant Hershey, claims that although cocoa comes from a seed rather than a fruit, it should not prevent the chocolate from being classed as 'healthy' alongside superfruits such as blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.

Needless to say Hershey may have an ulterior motive but do believe they have the scientific facts to back up their claim. When comparing the antioxidant activity in fruit powders with cocoa powder, researchers at their Center for Health & Nutrition found that, gram-per-gram, cocoa powder has more antioxidant capacity, as well as greater total flavanol [an antitoxin that can help combat everything from wrinkles to heart disease] content.

"Cacao seeds are a 'Super Fruit' providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition." said Dr. Debra Miller.

The findings were published in Chemistry Central Journal, the full article can be found here.

February 8, 2011