Dark Chocolate’s Numerous Advantages and Why It Should Be Your Favorite Sweet Treat
Many of our favorite treats, including cakes, ganaches, and tart fillings, benefit from the rich, indulgent flavor that dark chocolate brings. In addition to being tasty, it’s a nutritious item to think about as the holiday baking season approaches.
An ounce of dark chocolate per day poses little to no harm to adults, according to recent research from Tulane University, despite current concerns over dark chocolate’s possible lead content. When you’re craving something sweet, it’s okay to indulge in a small amount of dark chocolate, even though you should eat most things in moderation. Find out what dietitians think about the nutritional advantages of dark chocolate by reading on.
Understanding the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
What possible health benefits may dark chocolate offer? Although it may be tempting to consider dark chocolate a “health food,” the true health benefits are largely derived from cacao, which is one of the primary ingredients of dark chocolate, and the raw, unprocessed, nutrient-dense form of the cocoa plant, according to Lynsey Walker, RHN, vice president of marketing and communications at the Canadian Health Food Association.
And no, “cocoa” and “cacao” are not interchangeable; “cocoa” refers to processed cacao beans. According to Walker, the high-heat roasting procedure that turns cacao into cocoa “often reduces the nutrients found in cacao.”
Cocoa solids, the bitter portion of the cocoa bean that is extracted after the fat is separated, often make approximately 50% to 90% of dark chocolate. The most potent nutrients are found in these parts of the cocoa plant. According to Avery Zenker, RD, “the health benefits of dark chocolate are generally greater the darker the dark chocolate is.”
01: Dark Chocolate Has Antioxidants
“Flavonoids, a compound from cacao beans, are the main compound responsible for the health benefits of dark chocolate,” Zenker states. “One kind of polyphenol with strong antioxidant qualities is flavonoids.”
According to research, eating dark chocolate is linked to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. Foods like dark chocolate, which are found in mood-boosting foods, can reduce inflammation in our bodies, which can promote cardiovascular health.
02: Dark Chocolate is Rich in Minerals and Vitamins
Iron, potassium, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals may be found in dark chocolate, according to Zenker. According to her, “all of these nutrients are essential for optimum health and wellbeing.” Additionally, dark chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health as well as healthy muscles, neurons, and bones.
Walker advises going for cacao powder or nibs if you want to get the most nutrients out of dark chocolate. She claims that because these goods haven’t been roasted, they “retain a higher concentration of beneficial compounds than standard cocoa powder.”
03: Dark Chocolate Has Significant Effects on Mood Enhancement
Does eating dark chocolate as a snack bring you joy? Dietitians say that’s not simply your imagination. According to Walker, the central nervous system stimulant phenylethylamine, which is found in cacao, “can help elevate mood and potentially alleviate mild symptoms of depression.” Additionally, eating dark chocolate can cause the production of endorphins, which fill our bodies with “feel-good” compounds naturally,” she says.
No, this isn’t a panacea for the blues, but Walker says that adding dark chocolate to your day “can offer a pleasant, temporary boost in mood.” Although most dietitians concur that dark chocolate is a reasonably healthy dessert option, Zenker notes that the information that is currently accessible isn’t entirely thorough. As you eat, keep in mind that “many studies examine the impact of cocoa or cacao rather than dark chocolate itself, which contains other ingredients like cocoa butter and sugar,” she notes.
Dark chocolate benefits are clear when considering its antioxidant properties, mood-enhancing effects, and its rich supply of essential minerals and vitamins. Incorporating dark chocolate into your daily routine, in moderation, can bring you both joy and health benefits.