This is probably one of my favourite posts to write because I LOVE dark chocolate. I have a big sweet tooth and a couple pieces of dark chocolate after a meal is seriously the best. So sit back, grab a piece of dark chocolate and let’s get to talking about all things dark chocolate!
What is Dark Chocolate?
Dark Chocolate is normally made up of cacao, sugar and fat. The percentage on the package (for example when dark chocolate says 70%) represents the total cocao content. As the percentage goes down, the amount of cocao decreases and the amount of milk solids, and sugar increases (for example: regular milk chocolate, some dark chocolate candies). With that said, choosing a dark chocolate with a higher percentage is best when it comes to nutrition and health benefits. More on this below.
Is it healthy?
Dark Chocolate is a POWERHOUSE of antioxidants.
What do antioxidants actually do? Free radicals are produced in the body naturally from things like: exposure to sun, exercise, damage to cell (we cannot avoid this!). Too many free radicals cause oxidative damage to healthy tissues and induces aging.
For those who enjoy chemistry: Free radicals are an unpaired electron in orbit around the nucleus of an atom. In order to regain balance, antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals and protect the cell from oxidation.
In this study, biomarkers related to cardiovascular health and glucose metabolism showed beneficial effects on health while consuming polyphenol rich dark chocolate.
Just like any food, dark chocolate consumed in moderation (a couple pieces every other night) is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing nourishment to your body!
How to choose the right Dark Chocolate
First: Look for dark chocolates with 70% or more cocao content
Second: Find a dark chocolate with minimal ingredients.
Sugar
Most dark chocolates contain sugar to give cacao a sweeter taste. I personally prefer dark chocolates with a natural sweetener as you will see below. Try to choose a dark chocolate with minimal sugar (one of the last ingredients).
Milk
High quality dark chocolate should not have milk in it therefore I personally avoid dark chocolate with this ingredient. Again, the less ingredients the better!
Other Ingredients
Some dark chocolates may contain emulsifiers to help blend everything together. This is not a necessary ingredient when producing dark chocolate.
Flavours can be added to dark chocolate and choosing organic dark chocolate with flavours is always best to ensure these flavours are not artificial.
Favourite Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate with flavour
I also really love the dark chocolate 70% President’s Choice brand at Superstore!
Do you have a favourite dark chocolate brand? If so, let me know if the comments!
Thanks so much for reading!
-Brittney
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
My dad loves dark chcocolate – the higher the number the better he likes it. I’ll have to keep these tips in mind the next time I buy him a bar for his birthday.
Exploring Healthy Foods
That’s great!!