Did You Know – Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate is made from the seeds that are extracted from the cacao pod.
The seeds are fermented, dried and roasted into cocoa beans. The shells of the bean are separated from the meat, or cocoa nibs.
The cocoa nibs are ground into a liquid called chocolate liquor. They are separated from the fatty part or cocoa butter. The liquor is then refined to produce the cocoa solids and chocolate that we eat.
Source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu
TEN INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DARK CHOCOLATE
- Dark chocolate is good for you when consumed in moderation. It is rich in antioxidants, can improve heart health and may even boost brain function.
- Dark chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine. However, the caffeine content is lower compared to coffee or tea.
- It is recommended to consume dark chocolate in moderation. Generally, an ounce or 28 grams of dark chocolate per day is considered a healthy portion size.
- While dark chocolate can be part of a balanced diet, it is not a miracle weight-loss food. However, incorporating it into a healthy eating plan in moderation can satisfy cravings and prevent overindulgence in less healthy treats.
- Dark chocolate may have stress relieving properties due to its chemical composition. It contains antioxidants and certain compounds that can induce feelings of relaxation and happiness.
- Dark chocolate can be consumed in moderation by individuals with diabetes. It is important to consider the overall sugar content and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
- While dark chocolate is generally safe and beneficial, excessive consumption may lead to weight gain and potential digestive issues. It is important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Some individuals may be allergic to dark chocolate. Allergies can be caused by cocoa or other ingredients present in the chocolate. If you suspect an allergy, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- There is a significant difference between dark chocolate and milk chocolate. Dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa and contains less sugar and dairy compared to milk chocolate.
- Dark chocolate can be enjoyed by children in moderation. However, it is important to consider their overall sugar intake and consult with a pediatrician for specific dietary recommendations.
Source: http://www.facts.net
Images: http://www.pixabay.com
http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
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Categories: Candy, Chocolate, Did You Know
Beautiful post 🌹🌹
Than you so much! 🥰
Love, love dark chocolate
You and a lot of other readers! I think dark chocolate wins out over milk chocolate, my favorite.
American and European chocolate are quite different which might explain the preference
I don’t like American dark chocolate, maybe I would like European!
Maybe you would
Thank you for explaining why I only like dark chocolate – and very little of that – perhaps I should eat more
One small piece a day, just what the doctor ordered. Lol
Part of my larger spread of family are coffee and cocoa been growers in Java and Jamacia
No way, that is awesome!!! Do you put in requests for them? 🤣
good to know!
Thank you Beth 🥰
Great and informative article Diane. And, I know chocolate reduces my stress for sure.
Thank you Bernadette and it sure beats taking pills!
I was only reading about this exact thing yesterday! So glad I prefer dark chocolate 🍫
I wish I did, I’m a milk chocolate lover. There must be some benefit to justify eating milk chocolate. 🤣
I believe it makes you happy and what isn’t beneficial about happiness 😊
I love the way you think!
I love dark chocolate for the health purposes you said. In Philippines, they sell pure dark chocolate tablets that you can melt in a cup of water and egg and it’s a light refreshing breakfast soup you enjoy with bread. Yum!
I wonder how the current shortage of cacao will affect global chocolate prices!
That is fascinating and something I would try! They said the price of chocolate has doubled.
My favorite fermented product, besides coffee. And bread.
Hahaha You crack me up Dorothy!
That’s very interesting, I have never been a fan of dark chocolate but I have a friend who has one square of it every day. I don’t know if I could limit myself to one square though lol
Hahaha I don’t think I could either Susan!
Chocolate has high magnesium in it, too, which is good for stress and anxiety ( and many other things).
It’s important to check product lines as some brands of dark chocolate have been found to have lead and cadmium in them.
Chocolate has so many good things for our body. I never heard that about lead and cadmium though. It is so important to read the ingredient, thank you Katelon!
Good information, Diane. I try to enjoy a little dark chocolate every day. Yum!
What a nice treat to look forward to every day Janet!
Yum
Thank you!
Thanks for an informative post, Diane. It’s so nice to know that chocolate can be good for us! 🙂 I make my own chocolate, sweetened with stevia, so the sugar aspect of it isn’t a problem, just knowing when to say “when”! And yes, it does make me feel happy and keep me from overindulging in less healthy options. 😉
That is awesome that you make your own chocolate and yes, knowing when to say when is the key.
P. S. Thought maybe something should be added about the fact that chocolate, while healthy for people, is TOXIC to dogs. :/
Thank you for mentioning that! My daughter’s dog got into chocolate from the kids a few years ago and it was very messy but she made it through the ordeal luckily. 🥰
When our little schnauzer mix ate a whole box of brownies (🤦), I learned a few things. It takes a lot of milk chocolate (1 oz per pound of body weight) to hurt a dog, but dark chocolate is a whole other story! Glad your “granddog” survived!
I have heard of people eating the nibs, but I think they would be bitter. Otherwise, chocolate in any other form is “king” for me!💜🍫💜
Yes only the chocolate for me too!
Diane, I have been eating dark chocolate for heart health but gave it up for Lent (and I can’t find the rest of the bag of individually wrapped squares now that Lent is over). 🙂 Woe is me. For years I was buying the Ghirardelli dark chocolate squares with the highest cacao number (86% I think) as I thought that was the healthiest. Then I learned that this percentage had too much of the mineral cadmium and was harmful to your health so now I get the cacao number in the 60s or early which still tastes the same to me.
You are the second person to tell me about the cadmium! I never heard about that before today. Terry loves the dark chocolate too. I stick to Hershey milk chocolate but I don’t eat it very often. You know as soon as you buy another bag you will find the opened bag. 🤣
When I read that little tidbit I was shocked as I made sure I bought the highest cacao count as that was the healthiest for your heart. Well, you should stick to Hershey milk chocolate then. I found the dark chocolate bitter to be honest. Yes, I need to look for it – I gave it up for Lent (and Goldfish crackers).
Thanks for another food lesson! I learn a lot on your blog 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Dark chocolate goes very well with red wine, which also has health benefits in moderation! Hugs, C
Well that’s the perfect combination that’s good for us! Lol
Dark chocolate is magic
You sound like my husband! 🤣
I love to eat dark chocolate…I feel less guilty eating them instead of milk chocolate! Thanks for the helpful info on dark chocolate.
You’re very welcome!
And sold! In moderation, of course. 🙂
Of course!
My mom and Berto won’t mind eating dark chocolate, but I love the sweet milky kind! That’s why I don’t eat it so often, otherwise I’ll roll down the road 🤣!
My husband is like them too, I’m with you, sweet milky and white chocolate all the way.
A few years ago, while I was visiting St. Augustine Florida, I visited a chocolate factory and had a tour, The Whetstone Chocolate Tour. They talked a lot about the benefits of dark chocolate in moderation and I bought some of their high percentage stuff. It was so good, and I had one little piece a day until it was gone. Very informative post, Diane.
I love your will power Carla! There is nothing better than a good quality chocolate and I love touring places like this. I am a milk chocolate gal. Lol
It was quite expensive, Diane, I wanted to make it last.😁
Can I eat dark chocolate right after eating eggs? I enjoy eggs, but right after I finish them I get nausea and a burning throat. Both of these are relieved by eating dark chocolate, or at east they seem to be. Any placebo involved, or is it due to certain chemicals in dark chocolate like tannins, flavonoids, or theobromine?
I say go for it! Any excuse to eat chocolate is a good one to me. 🤣