1、 Is dark chocolate healthy? Yes,dark chocolate has compounds(化合物) that offer health benefits and can be enjoyed without guilt, even on a daily basis. But the amount matters, since too many bites can contribute to extra fat, sugar and calories and get rid of its health benefits.
Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa, which contains compounds known as flavanols(黄烷醇). At high levels, cocoa flavanols have been shown to help lower blood pressure and the risk of diabetes. Dark chocolate has the highest amount of cocoa flavanols: milk chocolate has lens, and white chocolate has none.
But while cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate make it a healthful treat they give it a biter flavor. Producers may process chocolate to make it more delicious, but doing so can remove some of these beneficial compounds,said Matt Hartings, an American professor. In spite of this,dark chocolate is still a healthier choice than milk chocolate, which tends to have more sugar. Additionally, cocoa powder contains minerals. So you can enjoy a piece of dark chocolate even after a meal. Just keep the following in mind.
First, buy chocolate that has at least 60% cocoa. "Generally speaking,the higher the percentage, the more flavanols. These higher-percentage chocolates have the added benefit over the lower percentages and milk and white chocolates because they contain less sugar and less fat,” Hartings said.
Second, if possible, choose natural cocoa over Dutch processed cocoa, which is treated with an alkali(碱). This gives chocolate a milder flavor but removes healthful flavanols.
And finally, to keep weight in check, limit to 30 grams of dark chocolate daily, or about 150 calories.
1.Dark chocolate is healthy mainly because of the existence of _______.
A.rich minerals
B.less sugar
C.cocoa flavanols
D.fewer calories
2.What does the underlined word “treat” in Paragraph 3 mean?
A.Something enjoyable.
B.A salt-free diet.
C.Food paid by others.
D.A cure for an illness.
3.What can we learn from the text?
A.Cocoa flavanols leads to high blood pressure.
B.White chocolate is good for health.
C.One can feel free to eat dark chocolate.
D.Alkali can affect flavanols’ content.
4.What’s the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A.To show his love for dark chocolate..
B.To promote the sales of chocolate.
C.To provide facts about dark chocolate.
D.To make a distinction among chocolates.
