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How Sweet It Is – The Benefits of Dark Chocolate! 

Chocolate is a favorite choice to satisfy our craving for something sweet. But did you know that chocolate also has some health benefits? So, the next time you’re craving some chocolate, why not choose the kind of chocolate that is good for you – the benefits of dark chocolate are numerous.

Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is a healthier option because it contains less sugar and much more cocoa. The more cocoa the chocolate has, the more antioxidants it has. These are beneficial ingredients that may help protect your body from illnesses, such as heart disease.

So, the next time you have a craving for some chocolate, look on the label and make sure it has at least 70% cocoa. To satisfy your sweet tooth with dark chocolate enjoy a small piece – one to two ounces occasionally. Or sprinkle a few dark chocolate chips on top of some low-fat Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.

Or better yet, make a dark chocolate dip by melting dark chocolate and dip strawberries, or sliced bananas. Or make your own chocolate covered raisins! How about during the winter you make a cup of homemade hot cocoa. Use unsweetened cocoa powder, low-fat milk, sugar, and a drop of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate occasionally and remember that the next time you’re grocery shopping, buy some dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa and you’ll benefit from the antioxidants found in the cocoa.

Aside from amazing flavor, you get a surprising amount of nourishment with every bite. A single 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70 to 85% cocoa provides 11 grams of dietary fiber and is packed with antioxidants.

There are many benefits of dark chocolate and the antioxidants it provides and one of the primary benefits is its ability to protect your skin. Even exercise capacity is increased when consuming dark chocolate!

Brands of Dark Chocolate 

• Pascha

Organic, fair trade, non-GMO dark chocolate. No soy lecithin. Range of 55%-85%

• Taza

80%, 87%, and 95% cacao bars. Taza is probably the least-processed chocolate you can find. THE USDA organic chocolate combines just cocoa beans and sugar.

• Lindt

The Lindt Excellence range includes 70%, 78%, 85%, 90%, and 99% Cacao bars. A full-bodied dark chocolate masterfully crafted to be smooth and rich with a profound cocoa flavor and surprisingly balanced taste.

The next time you get a sweet tooth head on over to your favorite grocery store or to Amazon  and buy a couple of bars of 70% or better dark chocolate and enjoy the many proven benefits it offers.