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Chocolate is a 'super fruit': Rich source of antioxidants

Date:
February 10, 2011
Source:
BioMed Central
Summary:
It is widely known that fruit contains antioxidants which may be beneficial to health. New research demonstrates that chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and contains more polyphenols and flavanols than fruit juice.
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It is widely known that fruit contains antioxidants which may be beneficial to health. New research published in the open access journal Chemistry Central Journal demonstrates that chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and contains more polyphenols and flavanols than fruit juice.

When researchers at the Hershey Center for Health & Nutrition™ compared the antioxidant activity in cocoa powder and fruit powders they found that, gram per gram, there was more antioxidant capacity, and a greater total flavanol content, in the cocoa powder.

Similarly when they compared the amount of antioxidants, per serving, of dark chocolate, cocoa, hot chocolate mix and fruit juices they found that both dark chocolate and cocoa had a greater antioxidant capacity and a greater total flavanol, and polyphenol, content than the fruit juices. However hot chocolate, due to processing (alkalization) of the chocolate, contained little of any.

Dr Debra Miller, the senior author of the paper, says that, "Cacao seeds are a "Super Fruit" providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition." Which is great news for chocolate lovers.


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Materials provided by BioMed Central. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Stephen J. Crozier, Amy G. Preston, W. Jeffrey Hurst, Mark J. Payne, Julie Mann, Larry Hainly and Debra L. Miller. Cacao seeds are a 'Super Fruit': A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products. Chemistry Central Journal, 2011; 5: 5 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-5-5

Cite This Page:

BioMed Central. "Chocolate is a 'super fruit': Rich source of antioxidants." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 February 2011. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207073748.htm>.
BioMed Central. (2011, February 10). Chocolate is a 'super fruit': Rich source of antioxidants. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207073748.htm
BioMed Central. "Chocolate is a 'super fruit': Rich source of antioxidants." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207073748.htm (accessed March 19, 2024).

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