In 2001, Americans consumed 3 billion pounds of chocolate, and for one good reason – it tastes awesome. But can this decadent treat really be part of your fat burning diet?
Benefits Of Chocolate
- Consumption of chocolate has been proven to :Reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke
- Help stabilize your blood sugar
- Improve your blood pressure
- Show more benefits than red wine and tea, because it packs even more antioxidants
- Improve gut flora
- Be a potent anti-inflammatory
Important disclaimer : These benefits come from the consumption of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa content), not milk chocolate.
Real Chocolate vs Chocolate Candy
Out of these 3 billion pounds Americans eat every single year, you can bet 99% of it comes from candy-like chocolate instead of real high-cocoa chocolate. The difference is crucial if you want to get the most out of your occasional chocolate treat :
What about white chocolate? Well, it doesn’t really exist. White chocolate is made of cocoa butter, sugar and flavorings. Consider it like candy.
How Much Chocolate Should I Eat?
If someone told me that eating two large tablets of tasty chocolate per day could improve my health, I’d do it.But the (unfortunate) truth is – 6.7 g of chocolate per day (about half a bar per week) shows most of the benefits. You can eat more if you’re as fond of chocolate as me; but just make sure to eat it within your calorie needs.
Is There Lead In My Chocolate?
Rumors have been circulation around on the Internet about chocolate containing high levels of leads. It is true that processed chocolate products have been found to contain abnormally high levels of lead because of transportation and manufacturing. However, more recent studies concluded that the contribution of lead from cocoa products in the US diet is very small, and that your body will only end up absorbing 10% or less of it.
The only Chocolate I recommend
Always choose chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa. You basically want the highest cocoa content possible, but while still enjoying the taste. Choosing organic and will guarantee you that your chocolate contains little contamination – and probably higher levels of antioxidants. Choosing fair trade is a great idea, because a lot of countries still produce chocolate by using inhumane practices like child labor or forced labor.
Summary
--> Eating about half a bar of chocolate bar per week will likely improve your health.
--> If you want any benefits from chocolate, stick with the dark kind that contains at least 70% cocoa
content.
--> Choosing organic and fair trade chocolate will ensure your product is produced in a way that respects
nature and workers.
