Chocolate is instantly recognizable by its sumptuous scent, delectable taste, and fun, colorful packaging.

There is no denying the wild popularity and success of this chameleon candy. Chocolate is not only a candy, but a flavor. Chocolate can be found in its purest cocoa form, or more often in candy bars, such as Hershey’s. Chocolate-flavored items include chocolate milk and milkshakes. With enough creativity, literally everything can be composed of chocolate in some form or another.

    
Over 50% of Americans prefer chocolate to any other flavor, according to a recent survey. On average, Americans will consume about 11 pounds of chocolate in a single year.  

    
Chocolate is a favorite dessert in the comfort food arena, and is known for being preferred by women; it is certainly considered an emotionally healing and comforting sweet treat. 

    
“Chocolate isn’t even good… and it definitely isn’t good for you!” claims junior Bradly Littlefield.

    
Despite the overwhelming popularity of this saccharine cocoa confection, chocolate has a reputation for being fatty and unhealthy. However, new medical research studies are rebuking this widely-accepted claim.

    
The endorphins in chocolate cause a feeling of happiness that make you feel good; this is a chemical reaction, and definitely not something you are imagining. Chocolate with levels of pure cocoa above 70% (more commonly known as dark chocolate) has been shown to reduce stress levels and lower cholesterol.  Some doctors are recommending a piece of dark chocolate every day.

    
For those who have a chocolate allergy, or partake in the minority belief that chocolate is not a heavenly delight, there are certainly many superior ways to improve health through food. But for those who adore nature’s treat, dark chocolate just became your new best friend.