Chocolate is made from plants

2 | Posted on February 20, 2009 ‹ newer older ›

150 calories

1 ounce
per serving

Snack Upgrade

Dark Chocolate Covered Raisins, Dark Chocolate Strawberries

filed in: lose weight, under 200 calories, after exercise, afternoon snack, sweet, healthy, late night, packaged, kid friendly

Why is dark chocolate good for you? Most people don't realize that dark chocolate is derived from plants. The processing of dark chocolate is minimal (compared to other types of chocolates such as milk chocolate) and so the nutritional value is not compromised.

Dark chocolate contains a ton of antioxidants and flavonoids, the compounds implicated in help us fight against cancer and heart disease.

So, since it is so good for me, should I eat many bars of dark chocolate a day? Well, it is nutritious - BUT it contains many calories. A mere ounce is 150 calories. A 1.6 ounce Dove Dark Chocolate Bar has over 228 calories.

Aim to eat 1/2 a Dove Bar and you are doing great (not an easy task). You must eat in moderation to get the benefits without adding to your waistline. A little sad isn't it?

What brands of dark chocolate are nutritious? First of all, all chocolate manufacturing is not the same. You will have to spend a little extra to be sure you are keeping the nutritional goodness in your snack. Dove, Vahlrona, and other top of the line chocolate companies will give you a great taste for your money.

Hershey's has also been getting into the dark chocolate game, so try theirs too. You want to avoid dark chocolate that contains too many ingredients -and if it is below 60% cocoa, it really isn't dark.

Dark chocolate might take some getting used to if you regularly eat milk chocolate. It is more bitter in flavor, but don't give up on it. I used to drink my coffee with milk and sugar, and now I mostly drink it black. Your taste buds will change over time.

Don't worry too much about the caffeine. At around 11 mg per ounce, it shouldn't effect you much.

Don't like dark chocolate? Try coffee.