I don’t think anyone would tell you that the packet of M&M’s you are about to consume is “health food” but, as most people know, there is, fortunately, an upside to eating some kinds of chocolate. Why? Research shows that cocoa and dark chocolate with a high cocoa content contain flavonoids, a naturally occurring phytonutrient found in plant foods like cocoa, tea and wine. The main flavonoids found in cocoa offer lots of cardiovascular benefits, including antioxidant protection and improved blood vessel function. “They make blood less sticky, keep blood vessels flexible, and there’s less plaque formation to prevent heart disease,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, a Chicago-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
Does high cocoa content = healthier chocolate?
In a word, yes. The higher the percentage the more antioxidant-rich cocoa bean and less sugar, is in your chocolate so it is healthier. The cacao percentage refers to the total cocoa bean content in the chocolate bar — chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder. The remaining ingredients are primarily sugar, vanilla and possibly soy lecithin, depending on the maker. One hundred percent dark chocolate is the healthiest because it has no added sugar, but it’s too bitter to eat.
The Disadvantages? (there had to be some)
Bottom line, chocolate is still a fat- and calorie-ladened treat (sorry). The cocoa butter found in chocolate is also high in saturated fat. However, about a third of chocolate’s fat comes from stearic acid, which does not raise LDL cholesterol levels….there is some good news!
And, as you know, chocolate contains caffeine, although the amount is hardly significant when compared to your afternoon Red Bull or morning cup of Starbuck’s!
Like most indulgences: Chocolate is good in moderation…about 1 ounce or 150 calories per day. So choose wisely.
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Connie – great posting on chocolate. We’ve been eating chocolate for over 3000 years… the natives of Central and South America ate it for religious as well as health reasons. Researchers have found that the ancients documented over 150 health uses for chocolate. Westerners turned a super food into a junk food. Now it’s coming full circle back… and not all chocolate has high sugar, milk fat, or fillers. And some doesn’t have caffeine either – it all depends on how it has been processed. It guess everyone can be a nerd… it’s fun being a chocolate nerd. :0) Can’t wait to see what the Constant Baker creates next! XOX! Laura
Thanks, Laura. Glad you enjoyed it. You would know about the caffeine free chocolate….does Xocai offer that benefit?