Dark Chocolate – A healthy treat?
Ah, dark chocolate, while we may crave a sweet treat in our day, is this a healthy option compared to other sweet treats?
I’ve been trying to cut out, or at least cut down on, my sugar intake, and after reading the health benefits of dark chocolate, I thought I might have found an excellent after-dinner treat when I am craving something sweet, good option? I’ll let you decide.
The health benefits of dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is a source of Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, and Phosphorus, but it is also a fantastic source of flavanols. Flavanols are plant-based compounds that have many health benefits. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables contain flavanols, but some include more than others. They are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and help protect the body from free radical damage.
70% cacao content or higher is recommended as the greater the percentage, the higher the flavanols. Cacao is the bean-like seeds from which cocoa, cocoa butter, and chocolate are made.
Dark chocolate also contains lower added sugar and fats than its milk or white chocolate counterparts.
Because dark chocolate is high in flavanols, it may help to:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Reduce the risk of diabetes
- Lower blood pressure and improve blood flow
- Improve brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Improve vision
- Increase HDL Cholesterol
The downsides of eating dark chocolate
It may seem too good to be true, and there are two main downsides to eating dark chocolate.
It contains caffeine.
The darker the chocolate (the higher the percentage of cacao), the more caffeine it contains. Two ounces of dark chocolate may contain around the same caffeine as an 8oz cup of coffee. Two ounces of 70% dark chocolate contains about 50-60 mg caffeine. In comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 100-200 milligrams of caffeine, says the Harvard School of Public Health.
So, something to consider if you think it might be a good after-dinner treat. Caffeine too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep.
It’s high in calories.
Dark chocolate contains 150 to 170 calories per ounce. The recommended serving size per day is one ounce to avoid unnecessary weight gain but still take advantage of its health benefits.
What if you don’t like the taste of dark chocolate?
It can be an acquired taste.
There are ways to make it more palatable. The higher the percentage of cacao, the more bitter the taste. Remember, though, it should be greater than 70% cacao for its health benefits.
Try one of the brands that are flavored; there are plenty of them. Orange, Mint, Sea Salt Caramel, Raspberry, Cherry you name it you can get it.
Try letting a small piece dissolve slowly on your tongue. Not only does it last longer, but it is also more pleasurable than taking a bite and chewing it quickly. Also, it may be easier to eat less of it.
How about grating it over a piece of fruit, or a frozen banana for a non-dairy ice cream treat?
What’s the conclusion?
Dark chocolate has terrific health benefits, but as with everything, moderation is key! My plan of eating it as an after-dinner treat is not going to work because of its caffeine content but including it as part of my healthy diet is definitely on the cards.
What are your thoughts?
Are you struggling to make changes to your lifestyle and incorporate healthy habits into your daily life? I can support you! Let’s chat.
