Health benefits of cocoa include decreased inflammation, improved heart and brain health, blood sugar and weight control and healthy teeth and skin. However, make sure to use non-alkalized cocoa powder or dark chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa if you want to maximize health benefits.
Because dark chocolate contains added sugar, a higher glycemic index, and is more processed, it's less fresh than raw chocolate. In addition, there's also a difference between cocoa powder (heated chocolate) and raw chocolate. Cocoa powder is richer in taste and flavor, however, it's lower in vitamins and antioxidants.