A recent study from the University of California tells us that the cacao found in dark organic chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which not only exhibit a cancer-fighting antioxidant effect, but also promote a healthy cardiovascular system. It also makes you feel good both by stimulating production of endorphins and the fact it contains serotonin.

But why must if be dark and organic?

@     Dark chocolate contains up to 80% cacao.  Milk chocolate may contain as little as 10% ground cacao, the rest can be anything from cocoa butter, milk and milk solids, sweeteners, natural or artificial flavours and emulsifiers. White chocolate contains none of the healthy cacao.

@     In order to keep up with the world’s demand for chocolate, cacao is now generally grown in commercial plantations.  When grown in its native rainforest, the local plants and insects provide a complex but natural system of pest management.  Plantation growers, however, heavily rely on expensive chemicals to do the job and it is one of the heaviest sprayed crops consumed today.

@     Fair trade organic chocolate companies support the growing of environmentally sensitive cacao including no clearing of virgin forests and no use of pesticides and fertilisers.

So, this Easter rather than reaching for the usual mass-produced chocolate-like treat… why not try the heart and earth healthy, feel good dark organic fair trade option.