Dark Chocolate – A Treat Not So Controversial Anymore

Dark chocolate has been on the radar of myth communities for the longest time but not anymore. Food scientists have found certain nutrients and non-nutrients in them that have proven health benefits. Before we dig into those benefits, let’s talk about what dark chocolate actually is.

Identify Your Dark Chocolate

Know the typical ingredients! That’s right. Quality chocolate will only have a few ingredients – mainly cocoa, cacao butter, vanilla and maybe some milk & sugar. However, commercial chocolates will have a long list of ingredients with things like vegetable fat (potentially artery-clogging fat), butter fat and different flavorings.

A good dark chocolate means having cocoa or cacao percentage greater than 70%. If you are a milk chocolate lover wanting to shift to a dark one for its additional benefits, try having the ones with a 50% to 60% cocoa and gradually build up to 70% to 85% for better taste adjustment.

The darker the chocolate, the more bitter its taste. It is super satisfying and hard to overdo. Once you develop a taste for it, you won’t be able to go back to the confectionery milk chocolate.

5 Super Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

• It is loaded with nutrients like iron, zinc, copper and magnesium.
• Right amount everyday may help prevent heart disease and lower the risk of stroke.
• This treat may also improve cognition, prevent memory loss and boost your mood.
• Food scientists have also claimed that it is beneficial for the gut and may also aid in weight loss.
• It also helps fight against free radicals and prevents cancer.

When & How to Enjoy This Treat

The recommended amount to get the maximum benefit is 5 to 6 grams which makes it about 1-2 small squares. Because of its good caffeine content, it is advised not to take it prior to bedtime. The best time would be any time of the day you need to feel most active, awake and energetic, as it actually gives you a boost.

Dark chocolate can be enjoyed as it is or maybe as a steaming cup of hot milk chocolate, a cube or two eaten with some fruit and nuts, a tablespoon of dark chocolate shavings added to your favorite smoothie and much more!

Here’s a delicious recipe for you to try:

Chocolate Mini Cupcake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate or 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F
2. Grease 8 wells of a cupcake tin or an 8 inch round pan with olive oil
3. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Melt in a microwave-safe bowl on high in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until melted. Alternatively, melt over the stove in the top of a double boiler
4. In a large bowl, use an electric beater and beat the eggs for 1 minute. Add honey, brown sugar, olive oil, flour, vanilla, salt and melted chocolate and beat for 1 minute on high
5. Fill in the cupcake wells to 1/3 and bake for about 17 to 18 minutes. If using a round pan, bake for 23 minutes
6. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 10 minutes. Wedge the mini cakes from the tin and dust lightly with powdered sugar. For the full cake, serve wedges directly out of the pan

So, are you someone who loves dark chocolate? If not, will you be willing to give it a try now?

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