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Dark Chocolate

cindys0417
cindys0417 Posts: 1,279 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Ive seen many people eating dark chocolate on their food diaries...What is with eating Dark Chocolate? What does it do for ya?

Replies

  • wyattc08
    wyattc08 Posts: 1
    From what I have "heard" its actually healthy in small quantities, i believe it helps with circulation and stuff like that. Also a small little square can go along way in helping fight sweet cravings.
  • peachyxoxoxo
    peachyxoxoxo Posts: 1,178 Member
    It has less sugar because it has a higher percentage of cocoa than milk chocolate. Also it contains flavenols, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

    And it tastes good :)
  • DeadMarsha
    DeadMarsha Posts: 203
    A small piece of Dark Chocolate is a great mid-afternoon pick-me-up and has several health benefits, as have been described. ;)
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    A small piece of dark chocolate can satisfy chocolate cravings with few calories- especially if you compare it to milk chocolate or chocolate cake, and the nutritional benefits have already been described ^.

    I don't know my dinner is over without my Lindt.
  • myownadvice
    myownadvice Posts: 95 Member
    From mednews.com:
    "Flavonoids in dark chocolate are a naturally occurring antioxidant similar to those found in teas, red wine, and some fruits and vegetables. These flavonoids are thought to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, and one recent study showed that 6 grams of dark chocolate a day (about one square) lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 2 points each.

    The study also claims that dark chocolate may lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by about 5 points. Not a major effect to be sure, but pushing the “bad” cholesterol downwards. Flavonoids also benefit how the lining of the blood vessels function."

    In addition, I also find that it curbs cravings as long as I just stick to one small square in a day. I like Trader Joe's Belgian Dark Chocolate 70% Cacoa.
  • cartrat
    cartrat Posts: 120 Member
    it's healthy and great for satisfy sweet cravings. i use it as a treat for myself. when i've made under my net carbs and calories for the day and if i can afford it without going over any limit, i eat me a good ghirardelli square :) 72% dark cacao! bam!
  • adam1885282
    adam1885282 Posts: 135 Member
    Everyone who posted thus far is dead on. I personally got the idea to enjoy a small piece of dark chocloate from Dr. Ornish. He has a lot of interesting things to say about various foods.
  • imwithgizmo
    imwithgizmo Posts: 146 Member
    I really enjoy Theo 85% organic dark chocolate. They have other percentages from 60-91%. I just like the 85% because I'm getting less sugar and fat, as well as the good stuff already mentioned!
  • wgn4166
    wgn4166 Posts: 771 Member
    It has less sugar because it has a higher percentage of cocoa than milk chocolate. Also it contains flavenols, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

    And it tastes good :)
    YUM
  • peachyxoxoxo
    peachyxoxoxo Posts: 1,178 Member
    85% is my favorite as well. I buy the Lindt brand.
  • aqm22
    aqm22 Posts: 153 Member
    Chocolate by itself is a mashed up cocoa bean, not unlike a coffee bean, It's not sweet. It's pretty healthy. Chocolate bar usually has sugar and milk added to tame the "chocolatey" taste. Dark chocolate has less sugar and milk then milk chocolate, or regular chocolate as we know it.

    So, basically, people eating dark chocolate is a craving fix. =) hope that helps.
  • gramacanada
    gramacanada Posts: 557 Member
    It's yummy. But also hard to stop at one piece! Wonder at the real benefits of one piece only.
This discussion has been closed.