Beyond simply tasting delicious, a dose of dark chocolate adds a variety of health perks that are sure to have your body (and taste buds) thanking you! The good-for-you properties actually come from the minerals and antioxidants found in the cocoa, hence why the darker the chocolate (think 70% or higher), the better for your health.
With Valentine’s right around the corner, today’s the perfect time to clarify the confusion mixed in with cupid's favorite treat!
| Beyond a Sweet Treat: 7 Perks of Dark Chocolate |
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- Enhances Brain Function. Yup, it’s true - a small dose of dark chocolate may help you think better. Dark chocolate is naturally rich in the stimulants caffeine and theobromine, two compounds that can add a short term boost to overall brain function. Theobromine has been found to improve focus, concentration, and visual processing of information. Dark chocolate may also improve blood flow to the brain.
- Rich in Antioxidants including Polyphenols, Flavanols, and Catechins. The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidant power, which means the more perks for your health!
- Decreases Cancer Risk. The antioxidants found in dark chocolate have been found to neutralize free radicals that increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, enjoying a dose of dark chocolate can help decrease cancer risk.
- Improved Heart Health. Researchers have linked the flavonols in cocoa to decreasing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and arterial plaque.
- Lowers Blood Pressure. The flavanols in chocolate have been found to support the production of nitric oxide, which in turn helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
- Mood-Boosting. This one comes as no surprise, but there is scientific evidence that supports the fact that dark chocolate really does make people happier. Not only does it add a sweet treat, but it will help boost endorphins, lifting your mood.
- Bonus Nutrients. While dark chocolate doesn't provide a significant amount of essential nutrients, it is rich in iron, fiber, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.
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| A Few More Truths About Chocolate |
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- At 150 - 170 calories per ounce, dark chocolate is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. However, chocolate can induce satiety (the state of feeling satisfied), so a small amount can hold one over!
- For maximum health benefits, choose 70% dark chocolate or higher. A higher percentage of cocoa solids means less added sugar, but also a more bitter flavor.
- The higher the percentage of the dark chocolate also means the higher the caffeine content. However, in comparison to coffee, the caffeine content of chocolate is minimal.
- You will not reap the same health benefits from milk or white chocolate as you do from dark chocolate.
- Buying organic chocolate means the chocolate is free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and GMOs.
- Chocolate labeled as “Fair-Trade” means it has been manufactured at a fair wage and with the exclusion of child labor.
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Featured Recipe
Almond Butter Banana Energy Rolls with Cacao Nibs |
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Ingredient Spotlight: Cacao nibs are antioxidant-rich unprocessed cacao beans that have been shelled, dried, fermented, and ground up. They lend a nutty, super-chocolate-y crunch to these delicious rolls. Look for them in health-food groceries and in many supermarkets.
Ingredients
- 2 Low-Carb Tortillas, Flour, Soft Taco Size
- 4 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, lightly toasted
- 1 small banana
- 2 tablespoons honey (you can skip the honey to save sugar calories)
Directions
Lay tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread evenly with almond butter. Sprinkle with cocoa nibs and coconut. Thinly slice bananas crosswise, and layer on tortillas. Roll up. Cut into pinwheels, if desired.
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