DARK CHOCOLATES

DARK CHOCOLATES IN DIET PLAN – NOT SO DARK.

A little treat occasionally can fend off huge binges on calorie- and sugar-laden foods. A well planned diet can create a space for chocolate eaters. Dark chocolate is a very popular type of chocolate, which is made without the use of any milk solids. Dark chocolate that has been flavored with essences or spices can make a nice, calorie-free change from plain dark chocolates in diet plan.

BRIGHTER SIDE OF DARK CHOCOLATES;

Dark chocolate has many health benefits similar to fruits, vegetables and tea. The key is to eat dark chocolate in moderation and also to choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, as this provides the most nutrition. Dark chocolates contain flavonoids that have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in bodily functions.
For the best nutritional benefit from chocolate, turn to dark or semi-sweet chocolate. The higher the percentage of cocoa in the bar, many go as high as 70% or more, the more nutritional benefit you will receive. Doctors, who recommend chocolate for its antioxidants and bioflavonoids, recommend a square of dark or semi-sweet chocolate a couple of times a week for optimum benefit. The darker the chocolate, the better it is, as it contains more cocoa but less milk and sugar. The calories in chocolate are not like “normal” calories. They appear to make your metabolism work harder, which means they offset the fat that might otherwise have stayed around.

OTHER BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE;

1. Dark chocolate contains some of vitamins and minerals like Potassium, copper. Magnesium and iron.
2. It stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure.
3. It contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.
4. It contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the ageing process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancers and slows down the signs of ageing.
5. It also acts as a stimulant. It contains Theo bromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants
6. It keeps blood platelets from clumping together. This effect is similar to that of aspirin. Moreover, it increases blood vessel flexibility. Unlike aspirin, some of the procyanidins in dark chocolates trigger the production of nitric oxide, which helps keep arteries flexible and increases blood flow.

SELECTION OF DARK CHOCOLATE;

Always choose the purest of Dark Chocolates because

1. It gives you the greatest nutrition and antioxidant benefits.
2. It reduces food cravings between meals and can help prevent overheating.
3. It allows the practice of self-restraint when following a particular diet plan. After a while, this self-restraint will come easily and will be a source of both pride and comfort to you.
4. It allows the feeling of fullness and can be important for weight loss. It helps in changing your mindset as well as your body, so that you can remain a slimmer without feeling deprived in the future.

Further, always aim to find chocolate that has only a small amount of added sugar and avoid any chocolate with added dairy.

INGREDIENTS OF DARK CHOCOLATE;

Pure dark chocolate ingredients are chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and a sweetener. There can be other ingredients in chocolate but these should meet the FDA’s requirements. At times, nuts, dried fruit, or flavorings, such as hazelnut or mint may also be added to the dark chocolate. Since there is no milk present in this dark chocolate, it usually has a chalky or a dry texture, with a bitter aftertaste.

HOME RECIPE OF DARK CHOCOLATE;

INGREDIENTS;

3 tbsp. cocoa butter (can be according to taste)
7 tbsp. raw cocoa powder
2 tbsp. raw honey or sugar (according to taste)
¼ tsp. vanilla extract

METHOD OF PREPARATION;

Melt the cocoa butter over a double boiler until it reaches 122°F/50°C.
Now add the cocoa powder, honey and vanilla and keep mixing until the mixture is smooth & without lumps.
Pour the mixture into molds and place it in the fridge till these become hard. Take the pieces out and munch away.

REMEMBER;

1: Eat the Dark chocolate in moderation. Set a limit on how many squares of chocolate you’re allowed per treat portion and stick to that only.

2. Dark chocolate has other risks, especially when eaten in large quantities. Dark chocolate has higher caffeine content than both milk chocolate and white chocolate. Consuming large amounts of dark chocolate can lead to an increased heart rate, diarrhea, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and dehydration.

3. Sugar is harmful to your body in large quantities, causing weight gain and putting you at risk of cavities and other dental problems. Opt for dark chocolates with minimal sugar content.

4. Always choose a quality chocolate for your diet.

And last but not the least is that always ask your nutritionist, who will tell you whether it fits into your weight loss diet plan in view of your health account.