The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

I’ve been a chocolate lover for as far back as I can remember. Chocolate is my go-to for any dessert, and the more chocolate, the better. Because can you really ever have too much chocolate? I think not. Chocolate helps me feel happy. Chocolate is so delicious. Chocolate is just one of my favorite things. Hershey’s milk chocolate was my favorite for years, and Hershey’s Nuggets were my go-to.

I wasn’t a fan of dark chocolate until I tried one of those red-wrapped Dove Dark Chocolates.

And I was hooked. Hook, line, and sinker hooked.

While chocolate of any kind is so yummy, knowing that dark chocolate also offers so many health benefits means I can enjoy this love of mine and help improve my health at the same time. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but with chocolate.

The Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Like with many things in life, not all dark chocolate is created equal. To get the health benefits I’m sharing, aim for chocolate that is 70-85% cocoa. So, the darker, the better. The cocoa I drink every morning (and sometimes twice a day!) is made with 100% cocoa powder, but I sweeten it with some stevia, and I usually add a scoop of my favorite chocolate protein powder, which also adds some sweetness. And more chocolate. Because…again…can you really ever have too much chocolate?!

Here are some of the health benefits from eating dark chocolate:

• Gives your body important nutrients: Fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Can offer sun protection for your skin
• Could lower blood pressure and improve blood flow
• Can improve mood
• Raises HDL levels while lowering LDL and triglyceride levels
• Amazing source of antioxidants
• Might improve the function of your brain
• Can help with depression

Since chocolate of any kind does contain a good amount of calories, sugar, and some fat (depending on the type you choose), consume it in moderation. I’ve learned that the darker the chocolate, the less I need to eat to satisfy that chocolate craving. And the darker you go, the less sugar you’ll be consuming too.

Are you a chocolate lover too? What’s your favorite kind?