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Today we are talking about nutritional reasons to eat chocolate!
The question most chocolate lovers want to know is what are the TRUE Nutritional Reasons To Eat Chocolate?
Well, the good news is chocolate is a science based, proven food to be good for you.
Let’s learn more about that!
4 TRUE Science Based Nutritional Reasons To Eat Chocolate
As a young chemistry student in college, I was fascinated with the chemical process involved in everyday things…like coffee, cleaning, baking, and chocolate!
For my final research project, I knew I wanted to choose chocolate as my expert topic. Back then, my friends and I were really into chocolate. Any get together or study session, someone wanted or needed chocolate. I thought this topic would be really relevant to everyone!
I researched and read many old books, scientific articles, and chemical experiments over this delectable substance.
Oddly enough, the majority of chocolate experimentation dates back to the 1800s with the invention of milk chocolate and other various culinary discoveries. More recent research has come to scientifically prove that chocolate is not only delicious, but also contains health benefits as well!
To start let’s go into a little detail on what chocolate contains these nutritional benefits.
What Type Of Chocolate Is Best?
The thing to always remember about these TRUE Nutritional Reasons To Eat Chocolate, is the type of chocolate is key. As with many of our favorite foods, chocolate is also heavily processed. Most of the candy bars we have grown up loving, are very far from their natural state. Natural, dark chocolates are still amazing AND you can also bake with natural cocoa powders and get all the good benefits!
You will still get some benefits from your favorite candy bar, but it will be overwhelmed with sugar content, so it won’t be your best choice. I still love a little candy bar occasionally, but if want to get the healthiest version, the most raw state is best. Prevention has a list of healthy chocolate bars that are dark and in a more natural state.
1. Dark Chocolate is chock-full of minerals!
If you can keep your chocolate minimally processed, like dark chocolates (which I personally LOVE better), there are so many naturally occurring minerals. Similar to the kind found in dark leafy greens. Some of these substances include fiber, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. That means if you add a scoop of dark chocolate to a smoothie or oatmeal, you can be getting the same benefits as dark greens!
2. It’s a HUGE source of antioxidants!
Raw, unprocessed cocoa beans have some of the highest amounts of antioxidants found in any foods. They are way up there with blueberries! Antioxidants are really important for multiple chemical processes in the body. With a high amount of anti-oxidants, this means dark chocolate can be an anti-inflammatory food. This is great news for chocolate lovers!
3. It contains theobromine and caffeine.
If you read Part I of this series, I talked about how theobromine is the reason dogs CANNOT have chocolate. However, as humans we break it down better. In small amounts, these two can give you a boost during the day. Sometimes, if you need a caffeine pick me up, a small piece of dark chocolate can do the trick! Talk about a perfect way to naturally boost your day!
This was one of the chemicals I focused on most during my research in college, since caffeine is another favorite chemical of mine!
4. It can improve blood flow and cardiovascular health!
The fat in dark chocolate is cocoa butter. Cocoa butter contains monounsaturated fats which can help raise HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol). Monounsaturated fats are so good for your heart health and keep everything flowing at optimum ability. Other foods that have this type of fat are things like olive oil and nuts. Also, those antioxidants we talked about before are also what makes dark chocolate great for your heart health!
Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
There are actually many detailed benefits of dark chocolate, but the purpose of this post was to give you four quick reasons to get some chocolate in your diet! These are the four benefits I focused on in college, so I think this is what is important to learn!
Chemist Bottom Line: Baking with natural cocoa powder and consuming small amounts of dark chocolate are actually beneficial to your health. Remember the most raw form of chocolate will contain the most nutrients.
Obviously ALL chocolate is delicious, so other types in smaller quantities are fine too 😉
Below are some of my favorite healthy dark chocolate items:
Want more proven health tips? Check out this post!
I mentioned cocoa powder in this post. If you would like some awesome information about cocoa powder, check out this post too!
Are you a fan of chocolate?
Disclaimer: Always consult a health professional regarding diet needs.
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Hi Alexis… we are scooting past the heat spell here in SF Bay Area, CA! My chocolate preferences have changed over the years – I used to like milk chocolate and semisweet, but now I prefer the dark (about 60-72% cacao). A fave is by Theo Chocolate – in Seattle (bean to bar) – http://www.theochocolate.com. They have a chili 70% dark bar that is SOOOOOO good – dark, mellow, a bit spicy! But occasionally I’ll munch on the Nestle semisweet chips right from the bag. Too bad our dogs can’t eat chocolate – they are missing out on some good stuff… Have a great day!
Oh yum, I will have to check that website out! I love crazy chocolate flavors! We have a place in Fort Worth that makes chocolates and they have the craziest flavor combos with dark chocolate. Really delicious! We are still dealing with the heat, but August will be over soon and hopefully some cooler temperatures are ahead 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
You had me at Dark Chocolate. It is all I eat. The highter the cocoa the better. Not sweet but so good for you. My downfall though, Lindt chocolate truffles, no matter what kind of chocolate is in it. I try to have a small piece of dark chocolate daily if it is in the house. Great research on this. I’ll be interested in the cocoa powder part for sure.
I have never had Lindt before, but I have seen it…I might have to try it out 🙂 I love baking with dark chocolate too, it is so rich. Thanks Michelle! Have a great day!
I like dark chocolate but can only eat a small amount at a time
Me too! It can be very strong if you eat too much 🙂
I love this post!! I always learn something new from your blog! Also, I can’t wait to learn more about Dutch processed chocolate! The first time I ever heard about it was last year. I think it’s so neat you know so much about chocolate! ?
Thank you Megan! I look forward to sharing information on different cocoa’s 🙂 Chocolate is such a fun chemical to learn about. Who knew it was so full of benefits? 😉
While I don’t really need a reason to eat chocolate, I’m so glad to hear that my body can use it for good…in small amounts. I’ll keep the small amounts in mind. Thanks so much for posting! I found your blog through Waiting on Wednesday.
Thanks Jennifer! Yes, small amounts are good although sometimes I forget and have much larger amounts than I should 🙂 Have a great day!
I love having an excuse to eat chocolate! I keep dark chocolate in the house and never feel bad about having a square or two every now and then.
Oh me too! It is nice having a treat like that and not feeling guilty!
Like I needed any more reasons to eat chocolate 🙂 But I guess I need to go get me some good stuff and enjoy it guilt free!
Haha, so true! It is fun eating chocolate and feeling good about it 🙂
I don’t need good reasons to eat chocolate all day, but these are great and good to know! Here’s another tip….eat it around 3 p.m. It is the time of day when our cortisol changes, or something and literally makes it calorie free. Dr. Oz said that!
Now that is a good tip to know! Dr. Oz has so many crazy tips, thank you for sharing! Have a great day!
Not that I ever really need an excuse to eat chocolate, but this does make me feel a little better about my cravings! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Becky! It’s nice to have a healthy excuse 🙂 have a great day!
I had heard before that dark chocolate was good for your health. But, I never knew the specifics as to why. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Gina! I always was curious too & I loved learning about it! Have a great day!
Great post! As a huge fan of chocolate I thoroughly enjoyed all you’ve shared during your fun “Chocolate Week” here, friend!! 🙂
Thank you! I thought you would like it, after all Chocolate is in the name of your blog 🙂
Yes! I am definitely a fan of chocolate. 🙂 Thanks for the info. I don’t have a dog, did know that chocolate was bad for them, but never knew specifically why! Stopping by from the Healthy Living Link Party. Have a great weekend!
I always hear it it growing up that dogs couldn’t have chocolate, but I loved learning the real reason behind it when I studied it in college! Thanks so much, have a wonderful day!
Thank you for all these lovely excuses to eat more chocolate 🙂 It’s sooo delicious – dark chocolate and sea salt is one of my favourite combos right now! So glad it’s ‘healthy’ (in moderation of course!)
I love that combination! Sweet and salty is the best, but dark chocolate with saltiness is even better!
Well, if I ever needed an excuse to eat chocolate, here it is! 🙂 I wish I could justify eating any kind I want, but I’ll take what I can get. 🙂 #grammietime
Haha, yes! Too bad all chocolate isn’t as good for you as dark chocolate, but I think anything in moderation is perfectly fine 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
I love this! More chocolate – any excuse will do – but best to focus on the health advantages of consuming chocolate on the regular!
Thanks Joann! I know, it is so wonderful that chocolate not only taste amazing, but has some wonderful health benefits too!
I am a HUGE dark chocolate lover and it’s great knowing that there are health benefits as well as it being incredibly delicious. I love that I can justify my indulging!
Thanks for linking up with us at the #HomeMattersParty!
Thanks Sarena, I love being able to justify it as well! It is so neat that something so delicious can be good for you 🙂
Ok, so I am a major chocoholic! Anything that tastes that good just HAS to be good for you.
Shellie
Me too Shellie! I know, isn’t it wonderful?! 🙂
Oh man, I guess I’ll have to devour some chocolate today. I actually had no idea how good chocolate was for you. Thanks for the post and the link at Bloggers Brag Monday!
Thanks Chrissa! Isn’t that awesome? I love how chocolate is so wonderful and good for you at the same time 🙂
Wonderful article! So glad you shared at our party and hope you will again! #OMHGWW
http://twochicksandamom.blogspot.com/2015/08/oh-my-heartsie-girl-wordless-wednesday_24.html
Thank you Donna! I enjoy linking up each week. Have a wonderful day!
Oh what a great post this is!! I have four more reasons to at my dark chocolate!
Cathy
Right? lol it is so awesome have scientific reasons to eat something so yummy!
Chocolate is ALWAYS the right choice. Thanks for linking up to Blogger Brags. I have pinned your post to the Blogger Brags Pinterest board.
Thanks Sarah! Yes, chocolate is the best choice!! 🙂
Fabulous post, my dear 🙂 I know a precious older lady that faithfully eats a little bit of dark chocolate after lunch and she is one of the healthiest women I know {{smiles}} Now I know it’s not just the dark chocolate, but she swears by it.
Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration.
That is so neat to know! My mom is the same way and she is in great shape and full of energy all the time! Thanks so much Stephanie, look forward to stopping by today to link up! Have a wonderful day!!