Chocolate lovers abound, but there’s confusion about the beloved food’s impacts on health.
As you know, chocolate has various forms.
After these solids are roasted, they are known as cocoa.
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Many of the purported health benefits of chocolate are related to components of cacao solids.
In this article, we’ll share the latest research on the health effects of eating chocolate regularly.
Cacao contains flavonoidsantioxidants found in certain foods such as tea, berries, leafy vegetables and wine.
Flavonoids have various health benefits, including improved heart health.
Since dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cacao solids by volume, it’s also richer in flavonoids.
However, consuming dark chocolate and cocoa without almonds did not improve lipid profiles.
May Reduce Menstrual Cramping
As mentioned above, milk and dark chocolate have different nutritional profiles.
Another difference is that dark chocolate is richer in magnesium.
Milk chocolate contains about 31 milligrams of magnesium in 50 grams, about 16% of the RDA.
Magnesium has been shown to help relax muscles, including the uterine lining.
It can lead to symptoms including fatigue, weakness and brittle nails.
But for you chocolate lovers, we have good news!
Dark chocolate is a good source of iron.
A 50-gram serving of dark chocolate contains 6 milligrams of iron.
Unfortunately, milk chocolate only contains about 1 milligram of iron in 50 grams.
So, if your iron levels are low, dark chocolate would be your best bet.
The researchers attribute this to the methylxanthines in dark chocolate, which include theobromine and caffeine.
White chocolate and milk chocolate are high in saturated fat and added sugars.
white chocolate bar contains 25 grams of added sugars and 16.5 grams of saturated fat.
Chocolate manufacturers are in the beginning stages of remedying the contamination of dark chocolate.
The solution to this issue lies in the sustainability of dark chocolate production.
Lead often seeps into cacao beans through contact with dirty equipment like tarps, barrels and tools.
Cadmium contaminates cacao beans by being present in the soil they are grown in.
As the beans mature, the level of cadmium increases.
That cycle is more harmful to [your] health than allowing yourself that piece of chocolate."
Check out ourchocolate dessert recipesif you’re ready to find your next favorite recipe.
