There's no denying that chocolate is an age-old traditional gift meant to capture the heart of a loved one. It seems that chocolate is around at every holiday in various forms. Ads in Sundays paper were filled with Valentine's Day deals of boxed and bagged chocolates. According to recent (and not so recent) health news, chocolate is the way to go, not just on special occasions, but all year long. I recently read that cocoa from dark chocolate lowers the risk of colon cancer because of its anti-carcinogenic effect. But most newsworthy studies and articles focus on this superfood's positive effect on cardiovascular health. It's amazing that chocolate sits in the same category as green tea, blueberries, and red wine! I have to admit, I'd love to get a chocolate gift this V-Day, but choosing the right one for me might be a little tricky. These are my chocolate must haves:
It's Gotta Be Dark
In my opinion, dark chocolate is more satisfying than milk chocolate and it never aggravates my sensitive teeth. I love that rich-full bodied chocolate taste! Research shows the darker the chocolate, the better! Why? Dark chocolate contains antioxidants (the cocoa phenols). Antioxidants are plant nutrients that support heart health, boost immunity, support healthy cells, slow done the effects of aging, support brain function, and may also help with weight management. Milk or white chocolate do not boast the health claims of dark chocolate. To get all the benefits chocolate has to offer, avoid most commercial chocolate that's laden with added sugar that has negative health effects.
My teeth say thank you too. Chocolate is beneficial for your teeth because it eliminates a certain bacteria in the mouth that contributes to tooth decay.
Organic
Conventionally grown cocoa is one of the highest pesticide-using crops. If I'm going to be consuming chocolate for health reasons, I might as well go all the way. Investing in organic dark chocolate assures me that no chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides have been used. Additionally, no genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) are present, the product has not been irradiated, nor are there any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Plain
Chocolate is packed with calories, so look for pure dark chocolate or dark chocolate with nuts or flavors such as orange peel. Any other fillers such as caramel are just added sugar and fat. The most consumed chocolate is the processed chocolate found in the grocery store check-out line. Studies suggest that these chocolates contribute to negative health issues because of the sugar content and other additives.
My current favorite is Green and Black's Organic 70% dark chocolate. It is fair trade certified as well! The bar is divided into small sections so you can keep track of how much you are eating. I also like Newman's Own Organics Super Dark Chocolate bar. I hope to find a new favorite-some imported dark chocolate with raw, unrefined organic sugar, pure vanilla, and no lecithin added. I'd love to have suggestions! Someday I'd like to try some raw cocoa bean nibs. (see next section)
Some findings also suggest that milk combined with dark chocolate can negate health benefits. I usually enjoy my dark chocolate right after a meal and finish my glass of water.
Cocoa Powder
After cacao beans are dried, roasted, and separated, the inside (nibs) are ground into cocoa butter and cocoa powder. The cocoa butter is the chocolate we eat. The powder, which is low in fat, is used to make hot chocolate and all those glorious sweet treats! My mouth waters just thinking of some of my favorites:
chocolate ice cream
my great-grandmother's chocolate crinkle cookies
chocolate bundt cake with chocolate ganache frosting
mom's chocolate pudding
brownies
For the best desserts, I always make them from scratch using all pure ingredients-better for your health and your taste buds! I currently use an organic Dutch cocoa powder (sorry Hershey's).
Go ahead-add dark chocolate to your diet. Your health will thank you! Just remember the best way to eat chocolate is in moderation. (Only a few ounces a day is recommended.) It should be eaten in the context of a well balanced diet and should never be substituted for your daily dose of fruits, vegies, or grains!
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