Dark Chocolate is a Healthy Choice with Many Proven Health Benefits

Chocolate lovers have been given a boost by recent research that confirmed that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, provides many health benefits. A major review of research studies, that included several large review studies which involved more than 100,000 subjects, confirmed the health benefit claims.

I love chocolate and I have spent many years researching its benefits and health hazards.

This review study has confirmed my research that moderate dark chocolate consumption was linked with a significant fall in the risk of various cardiovascular disorders, including lower rates of stroke, coronary heart disease, blood pressure.

However the study found no significant benefits in reducing on the risk for heart failure or diabetes.

White and Dark chocolate have very different nutrient contents. Dark chocolate is much better for you
White and Dark chocolate have very different nutrient contents. Dark chocolate is much better for you. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AChocolate.jpg

Is Dark Chocolate Healthy

It is hard to separate chocolate consumption from eating excess sugar and consumers and lovers of chocolate should always look for dark chocolate that contains less milk products (fat) and are low in sugar. I have found that there are many healthy chocolate choices available if you take time to look for them. Eating chocolate with a raw apple is a good idea as apples have many health benefits.

The scientific report was published in the renowned British Medical Journal. It found that the group of people that ate moderate amounts of chocolate showed:

However, the researchers were quick to caution that their study was not a license for gross over-consumption of chocolate. Chocolate has health benefits if eaten in moderation but these benefits are quickly eroded if you eat too much because of the high fat, sugar, high calories and high calorific density of chocolate products.

Pros for Dark Chocolate

Cons for Dark Chocolate

Guide for Healthy Chocolate Consumption:

You can enjoy chocolate in a balanced diet by adopting a few simple rules:

Nutrition Summary for Dark Chocolate
Nutrition Summary for Dark Chocolate. Source: Pixabay

Fat and Calories in Various Types of Chocolate with Serving Sizes

Type
Amount
Calories
Fat
Milk Chocolate
1 square 5g
27
1.5
Milk Chocolate
1 row 25g
132
7.5
Milk Chocolate
2 rows 50g
265
15
Milk Chocolate
250g block
1320
75
Dark Chocolate
1 square 5g
105
1.5
Dark Chocolate
1 row 25g
533
7.5
Dark Chocolate
2 rows 50g
1071
15
Dark Chocolate
250g block
5355
75
White Chocolate
50g Bar
280
17
White Chocolate
200g block
1120
68
Filled Boxes Average
1 piece
55
3
Filled Boxes Average
250g block
1200
58
After Dinner Mints
1 mint
35
1
Choc Coated Raisins
30g block
120
4.5
Peanuts - Almonds
30g
160
12
Peanuts - Almonds
100g block
530
40
Liqueur Fill (cherries)
1 Piece
50
2
Cooking Chocolate
100g block
500
30
Carob
30g
155
9
Carob
100g block
520
30
Choc Easter Eggs
30g
160
9
Choc Easter Eggs
100g block
550
30
Choc Easter Eggs
200g block
1060
60
Choc Rabbit
108g block
425
54
Hard candy eggs
100g block
370
0
Choc Bars (average)
50g block
270
17




Chocolate fountain - delicious
Chocolate fountain - delicious. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASmall_Chocolate_Fountain.JPG
Chocolate is fabulous in desserts
Chocolate is fabulous in desserts. Source: Pixabay
Dark chocolate makes fabulous decorations
Dark chocolate makes fabulous decorations. Source: Pixabay
Dark chocolate with mint is surprisingly healthy in moderation
Dark chocolate with mint is surprisingly healthy in moderation Source: Pixabay
Dark chocolate is ideal for making cake docorations and party foods
Dark chocolate is ideal for making cake docorations and party foods. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Movie_Night_Cupcakes_(4660244763).jpg