The Skinny on Dark Chocolate

Posted on 26. Jan, 2008 by Karen in Misc

One of my new year’s resolutions is to lose a few pounds–isn’t everyone’s.  But what to do about my all-time favorite food group—chocolate?  I did some research and found that the benefits far outweigh avoidance if I just eat the dark variety. 

Click Chocolate to see an article published by the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine department that identifies the 5 characteristics of healthy chocolate:

  • 70% cocoa solids or more is best.
  • The darker the chocolate the better.
  • Little to no added sugar.
  • Made of cocoa butter not palm or coconut oils.
  • No hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

According to the U of M article, 1 ounce of dark chocolate a day can lower bad cholesterol, lower high blood pressure, reduce risk of blood clots and elevate serotonin and endorphin levels which improve your mood. 

Of course, I had to conduct my own independent research at Trader Joe’s, my fav grocery store, where I found the yummy Valrhona chocolate bar made from pure cocoa butter with an amazing 85% cocoa content.  One 3.5 ounce bar breaks into 8 squares which makes for easy nibbling as confirmed by this very thorough researcher. 

All in all, I learned that dark chocolate can help me be healthy and happier as I work on losing that last 5 pounds.  Whether you’re dieting or not, a little of the right chocolate can make your 2008 just a little bit better.  And that’s the skinny on dark chocolate. 

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7 Responses to “The Skinny on Dark Chocolate”

  1. Kelley

    27. Jan, 2008

    Karen,

    You need to check out my website http://www.eatinghealthychocolate.com. You will find it AMAZING!!!

    The thing about the chocolate you find in the stores is even though it is 70% Cacao or higher they have all been processed. Xocai chocolate is unprocessed cacao and mixed with the Acai Berry for the best tasting chocolate that happens to be the highest antioxidant chocolate in the world!!

  2. Karen

    28. Jan, 2008

    Thanks Kelley for bringing more knowledge to the “chocolate” discussion–interesting site.

  3. Madeleine Phillips

    28. Jan, 2008

    Dear Karen -

    Mmmm. I too have a chcolate obsession. As a result, I was aware of these chocolate statics. And I am willing to learn more, so I will visit the recommended websites from you and Kelley. I’m trying to lose weight this year and recognize what a struggle it is. We’re all in this together, Ladies.

    Madeleine

  4. Karen

    28. Jan, 2008

    It’s especially good to have company on this part of the trip. I’m not gaining but I’m not losing. Time to get serious—and to get another piece of chocolate!

  5. Karen

    08. Feb, 2008

    Karen:
    I think you are on to something!
    Red wine also has excellent health benefits.
    So a combination of the two in excess should launch you
    into new health horizons.

    Cheers
    suzanne

  6. Ed

    11. Feb, 2008

    Can you put dark chocolate on spaghetti squash?

  7. Karen

    11. Feb, 2008

    That’s a combination I haven’t tried but both are healthy for you–so go for it, Ed!

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