Chocolate comes from cacao plants -- native to tropical countries -- and cacao beans undergo an elaborate manufacturing process before they reach the edible form you find in the stores. You can purchase either dark or milk chocolate bars. Pure dark chocolate bars contain no milk, and have a strong cacao bean taste. Dark chocolate is a common ingredient in baking recipes.
Cholesterol
One bar, weighing 41 g, of a typical brand of dark chocolate contains about 5 mg of cholesterol. This amount is fairly negligible, and represents about 1 percent of the daily value for this waxy substance, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Cacao beans are naturally cholesterol-free, but dark chocolate contains some cholesterol when manufacturers use butter and milk fat in the cooking process.
Fat
Cholesterol is a substance similar to fat, and is often found in products that are high in fat. A bar of a typical brand of dark chocolate contains 12 g of fat, or about 18 percent the daily value for this nutrient. Dark chocolate is also high in saturated fat with 8 g per bar, or about 40 percent the daily value for this specific type of fat.
Cholesterol And Fat Recommendations
The body needs both cholesterol and fat in moderate amounts for energy, hormone regulation, to protect vital organs and to help transport vitamins throughout the body. Too much of either one of these substances, however, can lead to cardiovascular disease. Try to limit your cholesterol intake to 300 mg a day, and 200 mg if you have a history of cardiovascular problems. Fat should account for no more than 35 percent of your total caloric intake.
Antioxidants
Cacao beans are a natural source of antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids help to eliminate chemicals in the body called free radicals, which can damage the immune system. Products with flavonoids can help to reduce your unhealthy cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate is a purer, more natural variety than milk chocolate and contains about 95 percent of its original antioxidants.
Additional Nutrition
A bar of a typical brand of dark chocolate contains 180 calories, 110 of which are from fat. A dark chocolate bar contains 25 g of carbohydrate, about 8 percent the daily value of this nutrient for a 2,000 calorie diet. One dark chocolate bar contains 3 g of dietary fiber and 21 g of sugar. Dark chocolate is a moderate source of protein, with 2 g per serving. Dark chocolate contains a mild amount of sodium and about 10 percent of the daily value for iron.
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