While there are many health benefits of dark chocolate, it is good to understand about this natural wonder first. Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids, and often less sugar, than other types of chocolate. It is also usually darker in color.
Calories in Dark Chocolate
A one-ounce (28-gram) serving of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa contains (1):
Fat: 14 grams
Saturated fat: 8 grams
Unsaturated fat: 5 grams
Carbohydrates: 9 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Sugar: 7 grams
While dark chocolate is high in calories, it is also a very nutrient-dense food. A small amount of dark chocolate can go a long way in providing you with the nutrients you need.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
The health benefits of dark chocolate are well-documented. This delicious treat can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate is also a good source of antioxidants and can help protect against cognitive decline.
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
One of the most well-known benefits of dark chocolate is that it can help to lower blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that participants who ate a high-flavanol diet (including dark chocolate) had lower blood pressure than those who ate a low-flavanol diet.
2. Improves Cholesterol Levels
Dark chocolate can also help to improve cholesterol levels. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who ate dark chocolate had higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
3. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
The flavonoids in dark chocolate can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. A study published in the journal Circulation found that participants who ate dark chocolate had a lower risk of heart disease than those who did not eat dark chocolate.
4. Good Source of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for overall health, and can help to protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
5. May Help Protect Against Cognitive Decline
The antioxidants in dark chocolate may also help to protect against cognitive decline. A study published in the journal Neurology found that participants who ate dark chocolate had a lower risk of cognitive decline than those who did not eat dark chocolate.
How to Choose Dark Chocolate?
When shopping for dark chocolate, look for bars that contain at least 70% cocoa. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the less sugar the bar will contain. You should also check the ingredient list to make sure that sugar is not listed as one of the first ingredients.
If you are looking for a dark chocolate that is both delicious and nutritious, look for bars that contain at least 70% cocoa and are made with all-natural ingredients.
How to Enjoy Dark Chocolate?
There are many ways to enjoy dark chocolate. You can eat it as a snack, use it in recipes, or melt it and use it as a topping or dip.
If you are eating dark chocolate as a snack, try pairing it with fruit, nuts, or yogurt.
If you are using dark chocolate in recipes, you can substitute it for milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate can also be melted and used as a topping or dip.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, dark chocolate is a delicious and nutritious treat.
Types of Dark Chocolate
There are many different types of dark chocolate, and each type has its own unique flavor.
Some of the most popular types of dark chocolate include:
1. bittersweet chocolate
2. semisweet chocolate
3. unsweetened chocolate
4. milk chocolate
5. white chocolate
Bittersweet chocolate is the darkest and strongest-tasting type of dark chocolate. It contains at least 35% cocoa, and is often used in baking recipes.
Semisweet chocolate is a lighter-tasting type of dark chocolate that contains at least 35% cocoa. It can be used in baking recipes or eaten as a snack.
Unsweetened chocolate, also known as baker’s chocolate, is the darkest and strongest-tasting type of dark chocolate. It contains at least 95% cocoa and is often used in baking recipes.
Milk chocolate is the lightest and sweetest-tasting type of dark chocolate. It contains between 20-35% cocoa, and is often eaten as a snack.
White chocolate is the lightest and sweetest-tasting type of dark chocolate. It does not contain any cocoa, and is often used in baking recipes or eaten as a snack.
How to Store Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, it can last for up to two years.
When buying dark chocolate, look for bars that are wrapped in foil or paper, and store them in a cool, dry place.
When storing dark chocolate, make sure to keep it away from heat sources, as this can cause the chocolate to melt.
How to Melt Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can be melted in a double boiler or in the microwave.
To melt dark chocolate in a double boiler, fill the bottom of the pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the chocolate in the top of the pot and stir until it is melted.
To melt dark chocolate in the microwave, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is melted.
Can kids eat Dark Chocolate?
As long as it doesn’t contain caffeine, dark chocolate is safe for kids to eat. However, you should check the ingredient list to make sure that the chocolate does not contain any other allergens that your child may be sensitive to.
When giving dark chocolate to kids, look for bars that are made with all-natural ingredient. This can be combined with other healthy snacks.
Is Dark Chocolate Vegan?
Yes, dark chocolate is vegan.
Is Dark Chocolate Gluten-Free?
Yes, dark chocolate is gluten-free.
Is Dark Chocolate Paleo?
Yes, dark chocolate is paleo.
What age people can eat Dark Chocolate?
There is no definitive answer, but most experts agree that dark chocolate is safe for kids to eat.
Pregnant women can eat dark chocolate, but should check with their doctor first to make sure it is safe. Dark chocolate is generally safe for pregnant women to eat, but you should check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Is Dark Chocolate Keto?
Yes, dark chocolate is keto.
Disadvantages of Dark Chocolate?
The main disadvantage of dark chocolate is that it can be high in sugar and calories. If you are watching your weight, you should limit your intake of dark chocolate.
Another disadvantage of dark chocolate is that it can contain caffeine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid eating dark chocolate because it can affect your baby.
Overall, dark chocolate has a lot of benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and can help improve your cardiovascular health. However, dark chocolate can also be high in sugar and calories, so you should eat it in moderation. You should also check the ingredient list to make sure that the chocolate does not contain any other allergens that your child may be sensitive to.