Dark Chocolate
Rich, healthy and satisfying, what more can you ask for?
Who knew that healthful eating could taste so good? A rich, satisfying flavor isn’t all that dark chocolate has to offer. According to various studies, a daily consumption of two ounces of dark chocolate containing chocolate solids in the amount of 70 percent can actually be healthy for us.
Studies indicate that dark chocolate is effect in counteracting mild hypertension in the body. A one and a half piece of dark chocolate is able to fight against cancer as well as five ounces of red wine can. It used to be that many manufacturers destroyed about half of the healthful flavonoids contained in chocolate during the production of dark chocolate. But, today’s production process helps to preserve almost 95 percent of the beneficial antioxidant. Along with flavonoids, dark chocolate contains high levels of the antioxidants gallic acid and epicatechin. These antioxidants work to protect a body’s blood vessels, help with cardiac health, and also prevent cancerous cells from forming. In addition to the high levels of antioxidants, dark chocolate is also contains calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins B1, A, D, C, and E.
Are you a chocoholic? Even studies substantiate that nearly half of all food people crave is chocolate. Small amounts of dark chocolate are a great reward if you’re exercising and dieting to lose weight. Just eat smaller amounts of other high fat foods or even opt for sugar free dark chocolate. And, it is also good to remember that, due to its high cocoa content, dark chocolate contains higher caffeine levels.
According to the U.S. Market for Gourmet Chocolate, those on low carbohydrate diets are choosing to eat dark chocolate because it is lower in sugar, and high in antioxidants.