Chocolopolis: The Best Chocolate Shop in Seattle

It should go without mentioning that dark chocolate has great health benefits.  The buzz has circulated and recirculated enough for it to have reached almost every household (at least in Seattle).  Since the 2003 Nature article in which Mauro Serafini, PhD, from the National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome, wrote about his research showing the antioxidant benefits of the dark flavenoid in cocoa, (-) epicatechin, there has been particular interest in the subject.  Wonder why?  What Serafini showed was antioxidant blood levels increased after eating chocolate without milk while chocolate eaten with milk did not increase these levels.  Before his research, the proven antioxidant benefits of chocolate were hit or miss.  The cardiovascular health benefits don’t just stop with antioxidants.  Research has shown that cocoa improves blood flow (and decreased incidences of impaired blood flow), increases HDL (the good cholesterol), and bypasses any increases in LDL (the bad cholesterol).  Furthermore, studies are showing decreased heart attacks, even among those who’ve had a single heart attack, in those regularly consuming dark chocolate.  Higher percentage of dark chocolate may be important to keep in mind.  The Swiss research showing improved blood flow, saw that 74% or higher was related to the benefits.

We’re very lucky in this area of United States to be able to find our fair share of yummy chocolate.  And, we’ve just gotten luckier in Seattle.  Chocolopolis, a chocolate shop on Queen Anne, specializes not only in making their own bon-bons but also in selling dark chocolate bars from around the world.  They even hold chocolate tasting classes.  When you go there, don’t forget to try their dark hot chocolate (some cups are as high as 85% and can be made with rice milk).  See below for their menu.  For those who like chocolate with a little sugar and not the other way around, this is the place for you.  But, don’t go thinking you’ll have a cozy spot to curl up and read the paper.  The shop is cool to keep the chocolate from melting.

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