Are you a chocolate lover who cannot indulge in it because of health issues? If that’s the case, put your fears behind today. Do you know that a controlled amount of dark chocolate will not harm you and instead be good for your health?
Did you know dark chocolate contains many nutrients? Just this point makes it more than just a delicious treat. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and, so if you enjoy this in the right amount, it can actually be good for your diet plans.
This blog points out the benefits of dark chocolate in terms of their health, skin, and heart benefits. We have also included some ways in which you can totally indulge yourself in this yummy treat without forgetting about your health.
How We Get Dark Chocolate
Do you have any idea about the components or process of making dark chocolate? They come from the cocoa beans, which are actually the seeds of cacao trees.
Cocoa beans are first put through a chain of processes like harvesting, fermenting, drying, and roasting. After this, the roasted cocoa beans are broken into small nibs, and their shells are removed. The cocoa nibs are then powdered into a thing called cocoa mass. This cocoa mass undergoes a certain process to produce two more distinct compounds known as cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
With an increase in the cocoa content, the dark chocolate becomes even more darker and healthier. Generally, a presence of 70% to 99% cocoa gives dark chocolate a rich and slightly bitter taste. But it is full of nutrients in dark chocolate.
But what are the dark chocolate nutrition facts that have yet to be revealed?
Nutrients in Dark Chocolate
If you are curious about the health benefits of dark chocolate, you should know that, in addition to its delicious taste, it contains a variety of essential nutrients.
For a standard serving of 100 grams of 70-85% dark chocolate (about 3.5 ounces), prime nutrients are 600 K calories, 43 grams of fat, 46 grams of carbohydrate, 11 g of fiber, and 7.8 g protein. Apart from these, the major nutrients in dark chocolate that help you to accelerate or improve your body functions are iron (11.9 mg), magnesium (228 mg), copper (1.8 mg), manganese (2 mg), potassium (715 mg), phosphorus (308 mg), and zinc (3.3 mg).
Healthy baking is more than a trend; it is a necessity in today’s world, where nearly half of the population suffers from sugar or cholesterol problems.
But let’s face it, whipping up healthy treats can be a pain. Fortunately, dark chocolate steps in to save your day.
Dark chocolate is like our nutritional superhero of a well-balanced diet. So now you can dive into the world of chocolate treats guilt-free due to the many benefits of dark chocolate!
Dark Chocolate Health Benefits
You may be surprised to know that the list of dark chocolate health benefits is long and impressive. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids, that help us fight against oxidative stress and inflammation in our bodies. It also carries essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and copper, that automatically bring additional benefits to your health.
1. Rich in antioxidants
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, a special type of antioxidant coming from plants.
These antioxidants do their best to ward off damage caused by free radicals, those irritating, unstable molecules that can cause aging, and diseases such as cancer.
The higher the cocoa content of dark chocolate, the richer it is in flavonoids, so it is also a very powerful antioxidant!
2. Boosts heart health
Dark chocolate may just be good for your heart!
The flavonoids in dark chocolate cause your blood to flow better and may even help lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels.
Dark chocolate prevents the buildup of plaque in your arteries and also reduces your risk of heart disease by lowering the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol, known as LDL.
So now enjoy some dark chocolate to maintain a healthy heart! 🍫❤️
3. Boosts brain function
If eating dark chocolate can increase your brain power, then it is nothing less than a dream. But in this case, it’s true.
Dark chocolate can improve your cognitive functions, such as memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities, through the increase of blood flow to your brain.
Also, it has natural stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine that keep you alert and in a better mood.
4. Your Weight Manager
One of the best benefits of dark chocolate is that it can assist you in being able to manage your weight.
Since it makes you feel full, you will have less desire to indulge in unhealthy snacks and will not readily give in to overeating.
Who know? Maybe dark chocolate is the one to stop your overeating habit!🍫
5. Improves your mood
Dark chocolates, when taken, trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin in your brain, which are chemicals designed to improve your mood and let you feel happy and content. When you feel stressed or anxious, eat some dark chocolate to beat your stress and feel better naturally. So you can have dark chocolate during periods, ladies!!
6. Lower your blood sugar
Dark chocolate research shows that it can increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin, therefore, can function more effectively in the body. The blood glucose level will also reduce with that, keeping a check on the chance of getting type 2 diabetes and helping those that already have diabetes control their blood sugar level.
7. Supports gut health
Do you know that dark chocolate is an excellent source of prebiotics? These compounds feed the great bacteria in your gut, which turns out to be pretty useful for your well-being. A healthy gut microbiome helps with digestion, and increases your immunity, with an impact on your mood and mental well-being.
So, enjoy some dark chocolate health benefits while not only treating yourself to a tasty treat but also keeping your digestive system happy and healthy!
Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Women
Hey women!! We know how irritating menstrual cramps and sudden mood swings are—simply hell!!
But do you know this secret hack to feel better during periods? It is dark chocolate.
It can actually make you feel better! Dark chocolate has the power to boost serotonin levels in your brain, which can improve your mood and make you feel less irritable. Plus, the magnesium in dark chocolate helps to relax your muscles and ease those constant menstrual cramps.
So if next time you have menstrual cramps, just try to treat yourself to some dark chocolate.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Skin
Will you be surprised if we claim that dark chocolate is the right call for your skin?
The flavonoids found in dark chocolate can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays, keep it hydrated, and boost blood circulation for a more glowing complexion.
By incorporating dark chocolate into your diet regularly, you can also minimize wrinkles and enhance skin texture.
So, the next time you grab a dark chocolate treat, remember your skin will thank you too!
Is Dark Chocolate really good for your heart?
As discussed earlier, flavonoids in dark chocolate are like blessings for your heart health.
They can help reduce your blood pressure, boost circulation, and lower the chances of heart disease.
Having some dark chocolate in the right amount regularly can really help keep your heart happy and healthy.
So go ahead and indulge a little! You will be glad you did it.
Dark Chocolate Side Effects
If you have ever heard the phrase “less is more,” you will understand why dark chocolate health benefits exist only when consumed in moderation. Overconsumption can cause weight gain, increased heart rate, and caffeine-related problems such as insomnia or anxiety. Additionally, some individuals may be allergic to certain substances in dark chocolate.
Best Time to Eat Dark Chocolate
The best time to eat dark chocolate is when you wish to satisfy your sweet tooth but you don’t want to overindulge. Experts claim that you should have a piece of dark chocolate immediately after having a meal, as it would balance out your sugar cravings and prevent overeating. It’s a guilt-free dessert that won’t add pounds!
Do you need a pick-me-up for your afternoon slumps? Dark chocolate can give you an edge, focusing on natural stimulants, like caffeine and theobromine. A fantastic snack to help you power through the rest of your day.
Whether you want to get all the health benefits of dark chocolate or just spoil yourself with some chocolaty delight, what really matters is the timing. Have dark chocolate at the right time to heighten the experience and bring out the best of its effects for your body.
Now go ahead and treat yourself to that piece of well-timed dark chocolate!
Best Way to Eat Dark Chocolate in Desserts
Dark chocolate can be added to various types of pastries for the development of an irresistible flavour while increasing its nutritional value. Professional baking classes like Whitecaps possess professional chefs who train young bakers to include dark chocolate health benefits in their baked products. Instead of normal cocoa powder or just white chocolate, we can use dark chocolate to elevate our baking skills.
Here are some dark chocolate dessert ideas:
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: A rich and creamy dessert that highlights the deep flavour of dark chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: An elegant and simple treat fusing the bitterness of dark chocolate with sweetness of fresh strawberries.
- Dark Chocolate Brownies: If you add dark chocolate to the brownie mixture, you intensify the flavour of chocolates in your recipe and plant some more health benefits in it.
If you learn how to use dark chocolate in baking, it will undoubtedly become one of the most important baking ingredients in your kitchen, without the risk of health complications.
Start your chocolaty journey with Whitecaps!
Benefits of dark chocolate really exist in this world. If you want to enjoy delicious baked chocolaty treats, just follow some simple guidelines. Then you can also stop worrying about your regular health concerns like obesity or diabetes.
If you are just an amateur in baking or someone who is eager to improve their baking skills, why not join the Whitecaps Institute of Pastry to learn some professional baking?
With its state-of-the-art facilities and professional instructors, Whitecaps can help you become a baking expert in no time.
Stay happy and healthy with dark chocolate benefits!!
