Dark Chocolate written by Jehan Al Rifaie

There is no bad diet; it’s all about moderation. Or at least that’s what my nutrition professors taught me. We all have weaknesses when it comes to food. Personally speaking, dark chocolate is my weakness. Dark chocolate is the perfect dessert. It has been proven that it contains nutrients that affect your health in a positive way.

Dark chocolate is made from the seeds of cocoa tree, which is considered one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Even though dark chocolate can contain a lot of calories, it is still packed with many nutrients. A 100 gram bar with 70-85% cocoa contains:

  •  11 grams of fiber.
  •  67% of the RDA for Iron.
  •  58% of the RDA for Magnesium.
  •  89% of the RDA for Copper.
  • 98% of the RDA for Manganese.
  •  It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.

Even the fatty acid of cocoa and dark chocolate is excellent. The fats are mostly saturated and monosaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated. However 100 grams is a large amount containing about 600 calories, so it is wise not to consume it daily or all at the same time. So it is best consumed in moderation.

Dark chocolate has many benefits such as:

  •  Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants
  •  It can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
  •  It raises HDL and protects LDL against oxidation
  •  It can improve insulin sensitivity
  •  It may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
  •  It can protect your skin against the sun
  •  Improves brain function
  •  It decreases anxiety
  •  It sharpens focus
  •  It can reduce cravings and weight gain
  •  It can lead to a more effective workout

The healthiest type of dark chocolate you can consume is the organic, 70-85% dark chocolate since it has a higher concentration of cocoa. In addition, there are many great healthy ways to consume dark chocolate:

  •  Grate over oatmeal
  •  Garnish a fruit plate with chocolate curls
  •  Dip your favorite fruits into melted dark chocolate
  •  Eat it straight
  •  Mix into frozen banana ice cream

Dark chocolate is the perfect dessert and can be consumed in many different ways. Who knows, doctors may advise us to eat a square of dark chocolate a day instead of an “apple a day” in the near future. But remember, it is all about moderation!

Sources:

http://www.thekitchn.com/five-ways-to-eat-dark-chocolat-97838

http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/health-benefits-dark-chocolate

https://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/

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