Chocolate bar

Food is required to give us energy, and chocolate is relatively energy dense, meaning it is high in calories for a small portion size. Because of this, it has often been included in the food supplies for polar explorers and lifeboat rations etc. It also contains the three essential components of food, i.e. protein, carbohydrate and fat (although not in ideal proportions), together with some vitamins and several minerals. Eating a limited amount (up to a standard bar per day) of chocolate has been shown not to have a significant effect on migraines, acne or tooth decay. On the other hand, cocoa has been found to contain compounds that have positive effects in the prevention of heart disease and possibly some cancers, whilst the possible psychological effects have had a lot of media attention.

The protein, carbohydrate and fat content varies with the chocolate type, as does the amount of micronutrients present, e.g. minerals and vitamins. A 100 g bar of plain chocolate is able to supply 24% of the copper needed in a healthy diet, whilst milk and white chocolate are a relatively good source of calcium, which is widely regarded as being beneficial in maintaining strong bones.

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