To many, the phrase “healthy chocolate” seems like an oxymoron, but a few local women are proving that chocolate can be more than a delicious treat.

Xoçai chocolate is a company that has developed various chocolate products with various health benefits. The company was started four years ago by Jeanette Brooks, a woman with a deep love for chocolate and whose diabetes kept her from enjoying her favorite treat.

So she developed a chocolate that she, and others with health concerns, could enjoy.

The chocolate is uniquely healthy because of how it is made. Xoçai has the patent on cold pressing chocolate which better maintains the antioxidants.

They use cocoa powder, açaí berry and blueberry as well as other healthy ingredients like flaxseed, plant based omega-3s.

As a result, three Xoçai chocolate squares, containing only 100 calories, has as much antioxidants as 1.91 pounds of spinach, two pounds of raspberries or 12 pounds of tomatoes.

The chocolate also combats free radicals, which cause disease and aging. It doesn’t have added caffeine, preservatives, fillers waxes, trans fats or processed sugar.

Colette Napoli, a West Seattle resident who distributes Xoçai chocolate, has seen the positive effects of the product first hand. Her own father’s blood pressure and bad cholesterol have dropped significantly since he started eating the chocolate he loves.

“I was so excited to be able to provide him with a guilt free treat that has improved his health,” said Napoli.

Xoçai produces chocolate squares, nuggets, omega bars, protein bars and beverages.

Napoli and fellow West Seattle distributor Theresa Hill frequently host Xoçai chocolate tastings. For more information about Xoçai, or to become a distributor yourself, please visit www.ifulovechocolate.com.