If you LOVE dark chocolate as much as I do, then you will be happy to hear that dark chocolate has recently been discovered to have a number of healthy benefits!  What can be better than that!  Healthy and delicious!

After being allergic to chocolate for 20 years, yes 20 YEARS, I am no longer allergic to it! (If you would like to know how I got over this allergy, leave me a comment.  I’d be happy to share.).  It would be one thing if I didn’t like chocolate, but I LOVE chocolate, especially dark chocolate!  I am so grateful to be able to enjoy it again.

So what constitutes “dark” chocolate and what are the benefits?

Understanding The Label

Often you will see packages labeled now with “% cacao.” What that refers to is the percentage of cacao bean solids present in the bar. There is an inverse relationship between the percentage of cacao in a bar and the amount of sugar. So:

• A 75% cacao bar has 25% sugar.
• A 65% cacao bar has 35% sugar.
• The higher the % cacao, the less sweet the bar and the stronger the chocolate taste.

6 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

1) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart    

Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your blood pressure. Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots. Eating dark chocolate may also prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).  Note the words “small amount”.  As I have mentioned before, everything in moderation.

2) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain    

Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke.

Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate makes you feel happier.

Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, a mild stimulant. However, dark chocolate contains much less caffeine than coffee. A 1.5 ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 27 mg of caffeine, compared to the 200 mg found in an eight ounce cup of coffee.

3) Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar

Dark chocolate helps keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body’s insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate has a low glycemic index, similar to that of oatmeal, meaning it won’t cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

4) Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants   

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging.  In fact, ounce for ounce, dark chocolate and cocoa have more antioxidants than do foods like blueberries, green tea and red wine.

5) Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine

Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. That means that dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities if you practice proper dental hygiene.  This doesn’t, however, give you license to stop brushing your teeth.

Theobromine is also a mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It can, however, help to suppress coughs.

6) Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals

Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health. Dark chocolate contains some of the following vitamins and minerals in high concentrations:

• Potassium                                                                         
• Copper
• Magnesium 
• Iron

The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. 

Try this delicious holiday recipe and boost your health!

Delicious Dark Chocolate Vegan Truffles

Ingredients:                                              Makes 24                     

1 organic dark chocolate bar, at least 70%
cocoa (3.2-3.5 ounces)
3 ½ tablespoons organic, virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon raw organic honey
1 ½ teaspoons organic prepared coffee
½ teaspoon organic vanilla extract
1/4 cup Organic unsweetened dark cocoa powder
1 pinch fine sea salt

Directions:

Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt over a double boiler. Once the chocolate is almost all melted, add coconut oil and keep stirring until the mixture is well combine and smooth.

Once smooth, remove the glass bowl to the counter and add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. Stir well, another 2 minutes, until all ingredients are well combine and smooth.
Put the bowl in the refrigerator for about 1 hour (more if needed) until the chocolate is set. It will be firm but easily scoop-able.

Scoop teaspoon size balls from the mixture and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet then dust with cocoa powder.  A melon baller works perfect for this, or use a teaspoon and your fingers to shape the balls for a more rustic look.  Keep cold until serving as the coconut oil can melt.

Bon Appetit!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Debbie