Dark chocolate. What’s not to love, right? Tastes lovely. Is made of chocolate. However, is it really the healthy treat we think it is? In this post, we'll take a closer look at whether dark chocolate is healthy or whether we should all be dipping into the Kinder Eggs, instead.
So that last bit was a trick: it’s dark chocolate all the way. It’s important to note that dark chocolate is different from regular (milk) chocolate because it contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids. Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that have been linked to various health benefits.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate are linked to improved heart health (as they lower blood pressure and improve blood flow). Additionally, dark chocolate can improve insulin sensitivity, which may help reduce the risk of diabetes.
Dark chocolate also contains several essential minerals, including magnesium, copper, and iron. These minerals are important for overall health and wellbeing.
But yeah, you guessed it. Not all dark chocolate is created equal. The health benefits you get from dark chocolate all depend on the cocoa content and quality. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids, and avoid dark chocolate that contains added sugar or unhealthy fats.
Also, it’s a moderation thing. Dark choc is still a high-calorie food, so we recommend treating yourself to one or two squares, and not every day.
Got a chocolate craving reading this? Head over to our Ready To Go range of mindful snacks, decadent desserts, and yes we’ve even got a chocolate protein smoothie. Polish your halo.
