Is Chocolate Healthy Or Unhealthy?
Is chocolate healthy or unhealthy? This question often arises whenever chocolate is discussed. As one of the most indulgent and beloved treats, chocolate has earned a reputation as a decadent food throughout history. Originally discovered by the ancient Mayans, this aromatic and flavorful delight wasn’t always the sweet treat we know today.
The ancient Aztecs believed cacao was more valuable than gold and used it for currency and celebratory purposes. The Mayans drank it with every meal, combined with chili and honey to make a thick and frothy drink. When the Spaniards discovered chocolate in 1502, they introduced it to Europe as a warm drink with milk. Today, chocolate is enjoyed in many forms and loved throughout the world.
It’s time to treat yourself while we find out once and for all if chocolate is good for you.
How is chocolate made?
Chocolate comes from the berries of the Cacao tree, which originated in the rain forests of South America. The berries are called a pod and contain around 40 or so beans (or seeds). Once the beans are removed from the pod and fermented, the beans are dried out and roasted.
After being roasted, they separate the beans from the nibs, grind them, and turn them into cocoa liquor. To make dark chocolate, they use the cocoa liquor mixed with cocoa butter and then ‘conched’, which needs to aerate the chocolate and improve the flavor. Once conched, the chocolate is tempered—heated and cooled a few times while stirring, giving it its glossy finish and snap when broken.
But are chocolates healthy?
Not all chocolates are healthy, but there are some exceptions. According to Healthline, dark chocolate is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can offer health benefits. It contains soluble fiber and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Dark chocolate-covered fruits are also considered a healthy option, as they combine the antioxidants from chocolate with the vitamins in fruit. In contrast, most milk chocolate is not as healthy due to added ingredients like sugar, which can diminish its health benefits. The higher the sugar content, the less beneficial the chocolate becomes.
Along with its many health benefits, here are six great reasons to enjoy dark chocolate:
1. Supports Heart Health: Dark chocolate is packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that boost HDL (good) cholesterol and promote better cardiovascular function, contributing to a healthier heart.
2. Enhances Mood: Dark chocolate boosts endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, creating feelings of happiness and well-being. This uplifting effect can even mimic the joyful sensation of being in love.
3. Enhances Focus and Memory: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which improve brain function by supporting areas involved in learning, concentration, and memory. These compounds help keep you sharp, focused, and mentally alert.
4. Supports Gut Health: According to the National Library of Medicine. Dark chocolate supports a healthy gut by feeding beneficial bacteria, which ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, benefiting digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
5. Protects Skin and Brain: Dark chocolate is rich in powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals, shielding your skin and brain from oxidative stress. This helps maintain healthy, radiant skin and supports cognitive function and overall vitality.
Try these delicious dark chocolate snacks—low in sugar but big on flavor:
- Dark Chocolate Strawberries: Freeze-dried strawberries coated in dark chocolate for a sweet-tart crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Blueberries: Dried blueberries wrapped in dark chocolate for a fruity, antioxidant-rich treat.
- Dark Chocolate Almonds: Crunchy almonds dipped in dark chocolate for a nutty, satisfying snack.
- Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans: Bold coffee beans covered in dark chocolate for an energizing, sweet bite.
Looking for more? Check out these healthy chocolate recipes!
Healthy Chocolate Recipes:
Chocolate Protein Oats:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats*
- 2 tbsp chia seeds*
- 2 tbsp ground flax or LSA mix
- 2 tbsp cacao powder*
- 1 tbsp almond butter*
- 1.5 cup water
- 2 scoops/tbsp chocolate protein powder opt
Method:
1. Combine the oats, chia seeds, ground flax, cacao, cinnamon, almond butter and water in a small saucepan
2. Simmer until the oats are soft and mixture has thickened
3. Take off the heat, add the protein and stir
4. Serve! Pop on some extra toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts or seeds
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Organic Buckwheat Flour*
- 1/2 Cup Almond milk
- 1/2 Tsp Organic Apple Cider Vinegar*
- 1 Tbsp Organic Raw Cacao Powder*
- 1 Tsp Organic Maple Syrup*
- 1-2 Banana Sliced
- Organic Raw Dark Chocolate*
Optional:
- Condensed Coconut Milk
Method:
1. In a small blender, add all ingredients besides the banana and blend until smooth & combined.
2. Heat a pan with some coconut oil.
3. Individually dip banana slices in the pancake batter until they are covered and use a fork to place on the pan.
4. Cook for a couple of minutes then flip.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all banana slices have been used.
6. Place in a bowl, top with warmed condensed coconut milk & dark chocolate. Enjoy!
While these decadent treats are a healthier alternative to traditional snacks, it’s always best to enjoy them in moderation, as part of a balanced and nutritious diet.
About the Author:
Latasha Trenaman is a Sydney based writer who is passionate about healthy eating. Latasha’s partner was diagnosed with diabetes in 2018. She has made it her life mission to share her and her partners’ experiences living with diabetes by promoting healthy food, especially sugar-free options. She believes in the power of writing and how it can inspire others in their journey to becoming more healthy. When she is not writing, she is walking her dog or baking sugar-free treats.
