The idea that dark chocolate is good for your health is nothing new, however the exact reason why it's so darn beneficial has remained something of a mystery until now.
Researchers have discovered a specific stomach bacteria that breaks down chocolate and ferments it into anti-inflammatory compounds, making the dark stuff highly useful in terms of heart health.
"We found that there are two kinds of microbes in the gut: the 'good' ones and the 'bad' ones," explained Louisiana State University undergraduate student and study researcher Maria Moore. "The good microbes, such as Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, feast on chocolate," she said. "When you eat dark chocolate, they grow and ferment it, producing compounds that are anti-inflammatory."
"When these compounds are absorbed by the body, they lessen the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue, reducing the long-term risk of stroke," said leader researcher John Finley, Ph.D. of Louisiana State. Finley also noted that the study is the first to examine the effects of dark chocolate on various types of stomach bacteria.