Healthy Chocolates: Chocolate is the health food that most people, including nutrition professionals, believe is good for you. “When consumed in moderation, chocolate—especially dark chocolate—has many health benefits,” writes Charleston, South Carolina-based writer and personal trainer Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD.
Since flavanols are chemicals present in cocoa beans, chocolate is technically a plant-based food. A review that appeared in Food and Chemical Toxicology in May 2021 lends support to this. Flavanols possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that have been linked to a decreased likelihood of numerous chronic illnesses and could mitigate the cellular deterioration that occurs with ageing. As the review points out, new data suggests that cocoa flavanols could be an especially rich source of these substances.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared early in 2023 that there is limited but reliable scientific evidence for products to claim that high flavanol cocoa powder may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The impact of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular disease has been particularly carefully studied. The FDA does note that this qualified health claim does not apply to “regular cocoa powder, foods containing regular cocoa powder, or other food products made from cacao beans, such as chocolate.”
However, according to Pittsburgh-based culinary nutritionist Laura M. Ali, RDN, LDN, the research on dark chocolate is encouraging. Theobromine, a substance that resembles caffeine but appears to lower blood pressure and heart rate, may have a role in the blood pressure-lowering effects of dark chocolate, according to a previous study. “Theobromine increases blood flow and may help lower blood pressure by widening and relaxing your blood vessels,” according to Ali.
A comprehensive study and meta-analysis that was published in Phytotherapy Research in May 2023 suggested that eating chocolate daily may offer cognitive benefits, such as enhanced learning, memory, and attention. These effects may also improve blood flow to the brain. According to Manaker, research indicates that chocolate may also boost cognitive function and lower the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses. She adds that studies have demonstrated the mood-enhancing properties of chocolate.
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Due to the potential prebiotic properties of dark chocolate, healthy adults who consumed 85 percent cacao dark chocolate daily for three weeks reported happier moods in one randomized controlled research. According to research published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in January 2022, the effects of chocolate on the microbiome may influence mood through the gut-brain axis, according to the study authors.
1. Pascha Dark Chocolate Bar: An organic vegan chocolate bar with 85% cacao
This small, family-run business uses only beans from one origin to produce allergen-free premium bars. Manaker appreciates that each bar has just 4 grams of added sugar—all of which come from unrefined cane sugar—and that the percentage of cacao and antioxidant content are so high.
2. Sees Extra Dark Chocolate Bars
These 62 percent cacao bars are a fantastic starting point for those who find it difficult to tolerate really dark chocolate. They are also kosher-friendly and created with high-quality ingredients.
3. Theo Organic 70% Dark Chocolate Salted Almonds
According to Taub-Dix, “This brand is committed to sustainability and brings us some unique flavors.” According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), they offer an astounding 6 grams of protein per ounce serving. Almonds are the best option if you want to give your Healthy Chocolate some crunch, according to her.
4. Valrhona Degustation Bar Guanaja
According to Taub-Dix, Valrhona is a well-known French chocolate brand. According to her, “their 70 percent cocoa content Guanaja dark chocolate is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and intense flavor.” In addition, many professional pastry chefs utilize the baking chocolate, which is sourced ethically and ecologically.
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5. Mast Organic Sea Salt Chocolate Bar
This bar can be a terrific choice for people who don’t love the bitterness that dark Healthy Chocolate usually gives but still want to benefit from the health benefits of adding this superfood in their diet, according to Manaker. “Adding salt to a sweet food can enhance the sweet flavor for some taste buds,” she says. This bar is primarily composed of organic ingredients and contains 72% cocoa. Additionally, for those who want a dairy-free option, the brand offers a delicious Healthy Chocolate bar made with oat milk.
6. Taza Chocolate 87 Percent Seriously Dark
If you’re a serious chocolate fan, try this bar: According to Manaker, it contains one of the highest cocoa percentages available and very little added sugar, so the flavor of fine chocolate is evident. It is prepared using fair-trade cocoa beans through an artisanal stone-grinding method reminiscent of the centuries-old Mexican method.
7. Endangered Species Forest Mint Plus 72 Percent Dark Chocolate
Taub-Dix adds, “I like knowing that this brand donates a portion of its profits to wildlife conservation.” This combination of chocolate with 72% cacao and cool mint is a winner. The Endangered Species 88 Percent Cacao Dark Chocolate bar will appeal to chocolate aficionados as well.
