There are a lot of things I can live without ever eating again. Chocolate is definitely not one of them. In fact it’s a big deal if I go more than one day without consuming something containing chocolate. I use to beat myself over my sweet tooth but I have learned that many cultures consume chocolate on a regularly basis as part of a healthy routine.
Here’s the thing…. not all chocolate is created equal. How do we know which kind to buy and which to stay away from? Let’s explore the benefits of dark chocolate versus milk chocolate shall we?
The main health benefits in chocolate.
Chocolate is made from the cocoa bean which is high in flavonoids which is antioxidant. Studies have shown that these flavonoids can reduce cell damage related to heart disease by assisting in lowering blood pressure and normalizing cholesterol. Flavonoids have also shown that they may be beneficial in diabetes support by keeping blood glucose levels stable.
Dark chocolate versus milk chocolate.
Both contain the cocoa bean- the main ingredient in chocolate. Since the cocoa bean on it’s own can be quite bitter, it is balanced by adding milk solids and sugar. The more sweeter the chocolate (milk chocolate), the more milk solids and sugar. The more sugar something has the more calories and (bad) carbohydrates are present. Consuming a large amounts of sugar on a regular basis invites free radical damage to the cells in the body.
Dark chocolate on the other hand because of it’s high amount of cocoa bean present has fewer carbohydrates because of the lesser amount of sugar, 4x the amount of fibre, more iron, 2x the amount of potassium and more caffeine (is that a good thing???). Consuming dark chocolate can also be great for the immune system since it contains zinc.
What to look for when consuming dark chocolate.
If you are already a chocolate lover you will notice in the grocery store that dark chocolate is usually measured by a % amount of cocoa bean. The high the percentage, the more cocoa bean is present (remember this also means the less sweet/bitter the taste). I personally love dark chocolate but I won’t consume anything higher than 85% because it doesn’t taste that great to me.
Good news to those who aren’t necessary a fan of dark chocolate but want to make the switch. I found a bar containing 45% cocoa bean under the store brand Metro and Food Basics here in southern Ontario. I shared this with a friend who doesn’t like dark chocolate and she actually found it enjoyable (I loved it too).
The secret to incorporating more healthy foods is to do it slowly allowing your taste buds to develop and change. Semi-sweet chocolate is a great way to start if you are trying to make the transition over to dark chocolate.
What is one food you cannot go without consuming regularly?
Sources:
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/blogs/fitstop/2012/01/23/healthy-eating/milk-chocolate-or-dark-chocolate/
https://www.prevention.com/content/which-healthier-dark-chocolate-vs-milk-chocolate