Americans consume 3 billion pounds of chocolate a year, the equivalent of 114 candy bars per person. For decades, people viewed chocolate as a decadent indulgence, but in recent years, research has shown that in addition to its taste appeal, dark chocolate has health benefits. However, not all chocolate is equally good for you.
Dark Chocolate Ingredients
As the scientific community releases information about dark chocolate's health benefits due to cocoa's antioxidant content, it also cautions that most chocolate contains calories and fat that are not good for you. Most dark chocolate contains cocoa, cocoa butter and sugar. Cocoa butter is a saturated fat; it melts at room temperature and does not increase "bad" cholesterol, but it does add calories.
Varying Antioxidant Levels
Antioxidants occur naturally in the body. They neutralize toxins resulting from normal metabolism and pollutants such as alcohol and environmental chemicals. Food sources of antioxidants are needed when the body's natural antioxidant supply becomes overwhelmed by factors including a weakened immune system, aging, disease and prolonged exposure to toxins. Dark chocolate is a concentrated source of antioxidants. It contains twice the level of antioxidants than that in milk chocolate. It also contains more antioxidants per serving than red wine or green tea, according to science journalist Mary Ann Ryan, affiliated with the University of Scranton. Dark chocolate made with 70 percent cacao or higher provides the most health benefits.
Best Tasting
The flavor of dark chocolate is often bitter, particularly when it contains the high percentage of cacao that supplies enough antioxidants to provide health benefits. A "Los Angeles Times" panel tasted 23 dark chocolate bars with cacao percentages higher than 70 percent to find the best tasting. Panelists gave high marks to Noir de Cacao by Michel Cluizel, noting its deep fragrance and hint of espresso; Le Noir Amer by Valrhona, with a raisin and chocolate scent; and Ocumare by Chocovic Unique Origin Varietal Chocolates, which had aromas similar to nuts and tobacco and an earthy flavor.
Warning
Companies that manufacture dark chocolate bars are not required to include the antioxidant content on the label. Depending on processing practices, the levels of antioxidants in chocolate bars can vary widely, according to the Heart Foundation. Some companies artificially darken chocolate and remove antioxidants to sweeten the flavor. Buy chocolates from well-regarded manufacturers to improve the likelihood that the chocolate contains antioxidants.
References
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Short-term Administration of Dark Chocolate is Followed by a Significant Increase in Insulin Sensitivity and a Decrease in Blood Pressure in Healthy Persons
- Heart Foundation: Antioxidants in Food, Drinks and Supplements for Cardiovascular Health
- Colorado State Extension: Will Dark Chocolate Every Day Keep the Doctor Away?
- The Los Angeles Times: We Tasted Chocolate -- for You
- University of Scranton: Chocolate: New Facts Come to Light
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