Yes, it’s true. Chocolate has many health benefits. However, the quality of the chocolate and the amount of chocolate that you consume factor in to the overall health benefits.
Quality of Chocolate
The quality of the chocolate does matter. Studies suggest that dark chocolate with 70% or more cacao contain phytonutrients called flavonoids and flavanols that act as antioxidants and are associated with various health benefits.
Sorry, not sorry milk and white chocolate!
Factors to Consider When Buying Chocolate
Read labels carefully! When buying high quality chocolate, there are several things to keep in mind such as the chocolate should contains at least 70% cacao, there should be low sodium amounts, and the chocolate should have a low sugar content. There should be very few ingredients listed as the chocolate should be minimally processed. Beware of hidden sugars. Buy organic if you can.
Benefits of Chocolate
According to John Hopkins Medicine, consuming dark chocolate can have a significant impact on your overall health including:
· Better heart health
· Positive impact on brain function
· Improve immune system
· Reduce stress
· Aid in prevention of diabetes
· Boost athletic performance
In a recent study, the International Journal of Exercise Sciencefound that certain participants that ate dark chocolate, demonstrated a slight increase in their resting metabolism rate as compared with those that did not eat dark chocolate.
As you can see, dark chocolate has many health benefits and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
No Longer a Guilty Pleasure
It is important to keep in mind that chocolate, although a healthy indulgence, is still chocolate and can be high in calories, sugar and fat. Be careful to watch your portion size! There are many ways to incorporate chocolate into your lifestyle in a healthy manner. Here’s an example of a healthy dessert below.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Recipe
Ingredients
· 4 ounces dark chocolate (70% or more), finely chopped
· 12 large strawberries- long-stemmed
Directions
· Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
· Simmer a pot of water (not boiling)
· Place chocolate in a glass bowl or heat proof bowl and place bowl on top of simmering water. Do not let the bowl touch the water
· Stir chocolate until chocolate melts
· Remove bowl and let chocolate cool for about 5 minutes
· Hold a strawberry by stem and dip into chocolate
· Coat the strawberry to almost the top-let the excess chocolate drip off
· Place strawberries on prepared baking sheet
· Refrigerate until chocolate is firm
Note: This can be done with bananas was well. Take peel off the banana and slice banana into ½ inch discs. Follow instructions above.
