Dark chocolate Dark chocolate Dark chocolate (also known as black chocolate, plain chocolate, or sour chocolate) is a form of chocolate containing a higher percentage of cocoa solids and cocoa butter than milk chocolate, and little to no sugar. Government and industry standards of what products may be labeled "dark chocolate" vary by country and market. A global increase in demand for dark chocolate occurred in the early 21st century. Although dark chocolate has a reputation as a healthier alternative to other types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, high-quality evidence for significant health benefits, such as on blood pressure, has not
Health effects of chocolate no medical or regulatory authority has approved any health claim. "Theobroma cacao", the cacao tree, produces seeds containing flavanols. The seeds have been used to make beverages for some 2000 years in Aztec, Olmec, and Maya civilizations in central and south America. The drinks were ascribed a wide variety of curative and stimulant properties, unsupported by experimental evidence. In the 19th century, chocolate as a solid was invented, and milk and sugar were added to create milk chocolate, high in fat and sugar. Doubtful research, sometimes funded by the chocolate industry, has at times made suggestions of possible health benefits