The type of chocolate you chose is very important according to the Nutritionists. Let’s talk about why eating dark chocolate is considered so beneficial. Dark chocolate has a high percentage of cocoa which is where the benefit lies. The range of cocoa is anywhere from 50 to 85 percent. Cocoa is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols that has many benefits. Dark chocolate contains up to 2-3 times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids than milk chocolate.
The antioxidant capacity and content of naturally occurring compounds such as polyphenols in dark chocolate may be linked to potential health benefits. It could help lower blood pressure because high blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cocoa powder has been proven to increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) for those who have high cholesterol levels. If you want to know the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate, milk chocolate definitely has more added sugar and fat which means in addition to having less of the healthy compounds, milk chocolate may also be higher in added sugars and calories compared to dark chocolate.
The bottom line is regardless of the dark vs. milk chocolate, it’s equally important to watch how much chocolate you’re eating. While dark chocolate does have some beneficial nutrients, its saturated fat and sugar content can add up quickly. The recommended amount is 10 to 15 gram square (or two) per day.
Always eat a balanced diet, but feel free to enjoy dark chocolate as an occasional treat. After all, it is good for your health!
