History of Dark Chocolate:

• Dark chocolate comes from Mexico and South America. Pre-Columbian societies through the Maya and Aztec used the cacao drink for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, and also as a luxury for the elite. Cacao has been cultivated for, at least, three millennia. 

• During colonization, the Spanish Hernando Cortez recognised the value of dark chocolate drinks and brought it back to Spain. For a long time, dark chocolate drinks recipe was kept under the Spanish royalty hands. After all, it got through the market but was an expensive pleasure. In 1689, Jamaican (Hans Sloan) added milk into the drink recipe. We do not talk about the dark chocolate story anymore.
• 19th century: innovation and mass-production. Dark chocolate drinks turned to the inexpensive eating chocolate available to everyone.
• Today, countries and their brands have their specific recipes. After the success of milk chocolate in the 20th century, the original dark chocolate gets back its popularity.

• Dark chocolate has a number of healthy benefits, but you must remember that chocolate is also high in fat.
• Dark Chocolate is good for the heart. Studies announce that eating two or three times each week a piece of dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure. It improves blood flow and prevents the formation of blood clots.
• Eating dark chocolate may also prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Dark Chocolate is good for your brain since it increases blood flow to the brain which improves cognitive functions.
• Dark chocolate has a positive effect on mood and cognitive health because of several chemical compounds like phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins and so on, it is the same chemical while we feel like falling in love. 
• Dark chocolate is a stimulant because it also contains caffeine. A 1.5 ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 27 mg of caffeine// ounce cup of coffee = 200 mg. - Dark Chocolate sustains blood sugar regulation and protects against diabetes type 2. 

• The flavonoids (colors and antioxidant) help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. 
• Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar level - Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants so it helps to fight against “free radicals” molecules that cause cancer and so on.  
• Dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities (if you keep a dental hygiene) thanks to the theobromineit (it also a kind of caffeine - stimulant) 
• Dark Chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals: potassium, copper, magnesium and iron. The copper and potassium help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron protects against anaemia, and the magnesium helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Dark Chocolate Brands carried by Le Bono Collection:

Loving Earth - https://lebonocollection.com/collections/loving-earth

Big Tree Farms - https://lebonocollection.com/collections/big-tree-farms

Seed & Bean - https://lebonocollection.com/collections/seed-bean

Sources:

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate.html

http://www.dark-chocolate-life.com/dark-chocolate-history.html