The keyword here, according to Ayoob is dark — in fact, as dark as you can get it. Research of people who already had sun-damaged skin that drank a beverage with four grams of cocoa powder showed it may contribute to the prevention of photo-damaged aging. This is because cocoa powder is the most concentrated source of the flavanols in chocolate, and these flavanols are potent antioxidants, the compounds that fight off the formation of free radical compounds, he notes. Ayoob suggests adding a spoonful to your oatmeal or yogurt, or melt it and pour it over ice for a sweet summer treat.
