Choosing Dark Chocolate in Diet: A Tasty Option Upgrade
Usually, we see that the terms chocolate and health are not used together. So there is some good news for all chocolate lovers . Researchers have suggested that you don’t have to cut chocolate for a healthy life. It’s just that you need to act smarter about incorporating dark chocolate in diet. There are many ways to mix this sweet ingredient into your diet. Be it from chocolatey fruity desserts and fondues to breakfast bowls. Read on to discover the ultimate benefits of your favourite chocolates and the healthier chocolate recipes-
Benefits of Consuming Dark Chocolate
Following are some of the essential benefits of eating dark chocolate-
Rich in Antioxidants
If you add dark chocolate in diet, then you are packed with some major antioxidants that can help relieve stress in the body. These antioxidants are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, which helps improve blood flow in the body.
Boosts Heart Health
Eating dark chocolate in diet can contribute to heart health as flavonoids present in chocolate prevent arteries from clogging and boost heart health. These benefits of eating dark chocolate reduce the risk of heart issues.
Enhances Brain Function
One of the immune-boosting foods, Dark chocolate contains a smaller amount of caffeine and theobromine content which means it contains dark chocolate health benefits that help people improve brain function in the short term. Additionally, the flavonoids present in dark chocolate can enhance memory and attention, giving a mental boost when needed.
Improves Mood
Eating dark chocolate triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, hormones known to improve mood and promote feelings of well-being. This makes dark chocolate for weight loss an excellent choice that can also help in mood-lifting treats.
Might fight wrinkles
Do you know that dark chocolate in diet can help you fight your ageing? Consuming a small amount of dark chocolates can give you enough anti-oxidants to fight wrinkles and sun damage.
How To Add Dark Chocolate In Your Diet?
Now that we know how dark chocolate is good for us, add it to your diet journey. Following are some of the ways to incorporate dark chocolate in diet and make it part of your diet journey-
1. Make Chocolate Fruits
If you want to choose a healthy diet of dark chocolate for weight loss, you can mix your dark chocolate with nutritious options like bananas, strawberries, apples, or even sliced ginger. After that, you can freeze the dipped treats for a cool refreshment. These dark chocolate health benefits are ultimately helpful in your healthy journey.
2. Blend Into A Smoothie
You may get the benefits of eating dark chocolate by mixing in cocoa powder, which is typically unsweetened, rather than adding dark chocolate chips or a few cubes of chopped dark chocolate to smoothies. This is the best way to add dark chocolate in diet that you can serve in your morning daily routines.
3. Chocolate In Oatmeal
To get the dark chocolate health benefits with oatmeal, you can cut a square or two and swirl it into hot oats with sliced strawberries or a chopped banana. Additionally, with this recipe, you can add healthful luxury to the most important meal of the day. Further, it is seen that eating healthy desserts at breakfast helped weight-loss seekers by simply lowering appetite and controlling cravings.
4. Chocolate Coffee
One of the best ways to add dark chocolate in diet is to enjoy it with coffee. For instance, to enjoy a full mocha experience, just simply whisk in some chocolate or go all out and add coconut milk, stevia, and coconut cream. If you want to make it healthier, use coconut milk or cream for the dairy cream. If you like, you can substitute unsweetened almond milk or rice milk.
Always Choose Dark Chocolate Instead Of Milk Chocolate
The supermarkets are crowded with milk chocolates or, in other cases, have a very low percentage of dark chocolate. They are frequently made with milk and soy, which increases their sugar content. Instead, look for extra dark chocolate for weight loss with at least 85% cocoa content. It normally implies that the chocolate bar has no milk, soy, or sugar, but it is good to double-check to be sure.
What Percentage Of Dark Chocolate Is Healthy?
The percentage of dark chocolate in diet is important for your healthy journey. The more cocoa chocolate contains, the more health benefits it’s likely to have. As the content of cocoa percentage increases, the chocolate is also less likely to contain any other ingredients, adding to dark chocolate health benefits. Dark chocolate generally contains 50–90% cocoa to ensure you get the benefits of eating dark chocolate for weight loss. Additionally, you need to be aware that some chocolates that look dark have high levels of refined sugar or dairy.
Indulge Guilt-Free: Dark Chocolate in Your Diet
It is never good to deprive yourself of something you love to eat! If you can’t stop thinking about that piece of chocolate cake, just cut a slice of chocolate and enjoy the moment! Life and healthy eating aren’t about depriving yourself, it’s about moderation and balance. Just add dark chocolate in diet to enjoy its magnificent benefits. After all, eating dark chocolate is good for the soul.
FAQs
1. What are the best-known dark chocolates to eat?
Following are some of the best-known dark chocolates-
Lindt Dark Chocolate
Mast Dark Chocolate
Scharffen Berger Bittersweet Dark Chocolate
Madécasse Pure Dark Heirloom Chocolate
2. Is 100% dark chocolates are tasty?
Some can taste bitter if no sugar is added. But if chocolate is made with high-quality cacao and is processed correctly, it will taste less bitter.
3. Why are dark chocolates expensive in the market?
The shortages of cacao affect all chocolate products and one can see a jump in the dark chocolate prices.
4. What is healthy dark chocolate?
If you want to get most of the health benefits of dark chocolates then, select dark chocolate having 70-80% cocoa having less amount of added sugar in it.
