Dark chocolate has a more pronounced taste than does milk chocolate. That is because dark chocolate does not contain milk solids that compete with the taste of the chocolate. This lack of milk additives also gives the dark chocolate a taste that is stronger, and it can sometimes leave a bitter after-taste. Most manufacturers will state the amount of cocoa solids in the product. It can range from 30 percent to 80 percent or greater for extremely dark chocolate.
Brain Changes
Chocolate can cause changes to your brain functions. In a study from the University of Nottingham, researchers found that cocoa drink that was rich in flavanols found in dark chocolate would boost the flow of blood to key areas of the brain for two to three hours after consumption. This increased blood flow may help to improve performance in tasks and improve general alertness. Using MRI imaging techniques, the researchers found that the flavonols commonly found in dark chocolate were responsible for dilation of cerebral blood vessels, which allowed more blood and oxygen to the brain.
Satisfaction
Dark chocolate is more filling than milk chocolate, which means you eat less of it. In research from the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, researchers found that eating the same amounts of dark chocolate left subjects feeling more full than milk chocolate. The young men who participated in the study found that 2.5 hours after eating chocolate, those who ate the dark chocolate consumed 15 percent less calories in other foods than those who ate milk chocolate. This equated to less calories overall and a significant impact on weight loss.
Cravings for Other Foods
In the same study that evaluated feelings of satisfaction after eating dark chocolate, the participants also reported that they had less cravings for sweet, salty or fatty foods after eating the dark chocolate. This reduction in cravings for other "junk" foods can help to decrease your overall calorie intake and improve your health. These same results were found in another study reported in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" in September 2010. Researchers found that premenopausal women who consumed either a daily dark chocolate snack or a non-chocolate snack had less cravings and reduced body weight and body fat percentage after 18 weeks.
Longevity
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are naturally occurring compounds in plants. They offer specific health benefits, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Flavonoids protect the body against free radicals, or molecules naturally released in the body after metabolism. Flavonoids help to protect against a rise of bad cholesterol levels and the formation of plaque in the arteries. Flavonols, the flavonoid in cocoa and chocolate, are responsible for the strong, pungent taste of dark chocolate and may be lost with processing of commercial chocolates. You best choice to improve your heart health is dark chocolate.
References
- University of Nottingham; "Boosting Brain Power - With Chocolate"; I. Macdonald et.al.; 2011
- Faculty of Life Sciences University of Copenhagen; "Dark Chocolate is More Filling Than Milk Chocolate and Lessen Cravings"; May 2011
- Mitzi Dulan, RD; "Can Eating Chocolate Reduce Sweet Cravings?"; Feb 2011
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart and Vascular Health and Prevention
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