Chocolate Health and Nutrition Facts Milk and white have some calcium, and dark chocolate has a little bit of dietary iron. However, the healthiest option when it comes to eating chocolate is going to be dark.
“Dark chocolate has lower added sugar and fat than milk or white chocolate,” says Peart, while noting it also boasts an abundance of beneficial antioxidants called flavonoids. At their core, milk chocolate and dark chocolate have similar ingredients, including cocoa butter, sugar and cocoa solids.
Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.
Dark chocolate is best for you because it's the least processed chocolate, which means it contains the highest percentage of flavonoid-filled cocoa bean (cocoa).
Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate will be a better option for its high polyphenol and flavonoid content than milk chocolate. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content in dark chocolate is five times higher than in milk and white chocolate.
White chocolate is the worst – it has more calories than milk chocolate and more sugar than dark.
Lindt dark chocolate is made with high-quality ingredients and contains a high percentage of cocoa solids, which are responsible for the health benefits of dark chocolate. Lindt dark chocolate is also low in sugar and calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to improve their health.
Could Exceed Safe Heavy Metal Consumption. While dark chocolate can have positive effects on your health, a 2022 study by Consumer Reports found that eating dark chocolate everyday could be harmful for adults, children and pregnant people.
Dark chocolate is a rich source of fiber, loaded with iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and other minerals. You'll get the most flavanols from chocolate that's 70% or more dark. A 1-ounce serving of dark chocolate, between 70% to 85% cacao solids, contains: Calories: 170.
Teuscher. Named the Best Chocolate in the World by National Geographic Magazine, Teuscher delivers a divine chocolate experience resulting from years of chocolate passion and tradition.
Choose dark chocolate instead
Dark chocolate is typically lower in sugar than milk chocolate. Balance Belgian Dark Chocolate is a sugar free chocolate which is smooth, dark and delicious.
The answer, surprisingly, is that extra dark chocolate is GREAT for brain health. While pure cocoa is best, this may be too bitter for anyone with a sweet tooth, so a good rule of thumb is to go for chocolate that is 85% cocoa or more. Basically, the darker the chocolate, the better it is for your brain.
Some research suggests that dark chocolate may help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, and improve brain function.
Research continues to point to dark chocolate as having many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, preventing blood clots, improving memory, lowering cholesterol and even preventing some types of cancer.
How Much Dark Chocolate Per Day Should You Consume? According to health experts, consuming around 30-60 grams of dark chocolate per day is a healthy amount for most people. That's about two to four small squares of your favourite chocolate bar.
Health benefits of 100% dark chocolate include the following: Combats the presence of free radicals, which cause chronic illness and disease. Improves the function of the vascular endothelium (the cells that line the insides of your blood vessels) Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Rich in protective plant compounds
One of the benefits of dark chocolate is that it is rich in plant compounds that have protective antioxidant properties. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins.
What is the daily recommended amount of dark chocolate? The recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g, experts say. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories.
You can enjoy dark chocolates as often as you want. However, for a person who wishes to lose weight with these chocolates, dark chocolates should be eaten on an empty stomach or 30 minutes after a solid-food meal. They can also be eaten as a snack between lunch and dinner.
Scientists also recommend the best time to eat chocolate is earlier in the day (between 9am -11am), making chocolate a great choice for an elevenses pick-me-up, as your palate has not been tainted by other flavours from lunch – something only one in five (20%) of Brits already do.
Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% and 90% Cocoa
Lindt dark chocolate is the OG of healthy supermarket desserts – high in heart-friendly flavonoids and low in sugar.
Dark chocolate is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Studies show it can help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. Studies show that dark chocolate — when it is not loaded with sugar and saturated fat — is indeed a heart-healthy chocolate treat and more.