How chocolate—yes, chocolate—can improve heart health and boost mood. Photo: HUIZENG HU/Getty Images Dark chocolate adds a rich, decadent flavor to so many of our favorite desserts—from cakes to ganaches to tart fillings . Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthy ingredient to consider as we dive into the holiday baking season.
Although dark chocolate has recently been called into question for potentially containing lead, a recent study conducted at Tulane University found that consuming an ounce of chocolate per day has little to no risk for adults. While most everything should be consumed in moderation, there’s no harm in having just a little bit of chocolate when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. Read on to learn what dietitians have to say about dark chocolate’s nutritional benefits. Lynsey Walker , RHN, is the vice president of marketing and communications at the Canadian Health Food Association
Avery Zenker , RD, is a registered dietitian at HealthCasa
Understanding Dark Chocolate’s Health Benefits
How could chocolate possibly be healthy? “While it’s tempting to think of chocolate as a ‘health food,’ the real benefits come primarily from cacao—the raw, unprocessed, nutrient-dense form of cocoa plant and one of the main components of chocolate,” says Lynsey Walker, RHN, vice president of marketing and communications at the Canadian Health Food Association.
And no, “cacao” and “cocoa” are not the same thing: “Cocoa” describes cacao beans that have been processed. Walker says that the nutrients found in cacao “are often reduced during the high-heat roasting process that transforms cacao into cocoa.”
Dark chocolate is generally made up of 50% to 90% cocoa solids1—the bitter part of the cocoa bean that is extracted after separating the fat. These components of the cocoa plant are where we find the most powerful nutrients. “In general, the darker the chocolate, the more significant the health benefits,” says Avery Zenker, RD.
01 of 03 It Contains Antioxidants
“The primary compound responsible for the health benefits of dark chocolate is flavonoids, a compound from cacao beans,” Zenker says. “Flavonoids are a type of polyphenol that have potent antioxidant […]
The Many Benefits of Dark Chocolate—and Why It Should Be Your Sweet Treat of Choice
