From everyday snacks to special desserts, chocolate is one of the world’s most beloved treats. Chocolate tops many people’s favorite foods list, and beyond its rich taste, there may be health-related reasons to enjoy it as well. Chocolate — especially dark chocolate — can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Research shows that chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, improve memory, and may even reduce the risk of cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, research shows chocolate doesn’t ruin your complexion.
In the post below, don’t miss a unique chocolate truffle recipe!
Not All Chocolates Are Created Equal
While all chocolates contain antioxidants called flavonoids, dark chocolate and its main ingredient, cocoa, generally provide more potential health benefits than milk chocolate or white chocolate.
The stronger and darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it usually contains and the more potential health benefits it may provide.
For maximum health benefits when buying chocolate, look for:
- Dark chocolate blocks with at least 70% cocoa solids
- Raw cacao or cocoa powder: One gram of cocoa contains over 30 mg of flavanols, whereas one gram of dark chocolate contains approximately 12.5 mg. To learn more about cocoa, read our blog post Cancer-Fighting Cocoa.
- Cacao nibs, which are crushed, raw cacao beans
Cocoa and Skin Cancer Research
Helmut Sies, M.D., a biochemist at Heinrich-Heine-Universität in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a leading cancer prevention expert whose nutrition-focused cancer research has helped advance understanding of micronutrients and cancer prevention. His key research breakthrough involved lycopene — a carotenoid and antioxidant found in tomatoes — and its potential role in helping curb the initiation of cancer. His research has also shown that flavonoids found in cocoa products may help protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. High flavanol cocoa – which has similar amounts of flavanols as 100gm dark chocolate – improves skin health and hydration and may reduce risk of UV-induced skin damage.
Let’s be clear: This research doesn’t mean you should start rubbing cocoa products on your skin – but it does mean there could be skin-cancer fighting properties in some sweets!
Real Food Chocolate Truffles
The chocolate truffle recipe below provides a healthier twist on a classic Valentine’s Day favorite. They’re easy to make, rich in flavor, and a sweet way to treat someone you love. [1]
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans, toasted
- 1 cup dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon raw honey, melted
- Melted dark chocolate
- Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Minced dark chocolate pieces
Instructions
- Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Place the dates in a small bowl with hot water and cover for 10 minutes. Discard the soaking water.
- Place the dates and cooled pecans in a food processor, along with the cocoa powder, sea salt, and honey. Pulse until coarse and crumbly.
- Cover a tray that fits in your freezer with parchment paper. Form the dough into 30 balls and roll in the toppings of your choice.
- Place the truffles on the prepared pan and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Fun Chocolate Facts
- Eating just one chocolate chip gives the average adult the energy needed to walk about 50 meters.
- A dark chocolate bar has approximately 10–15 grams of sugar. A glass of orange juice has about 22 grams of sugar.
- Chocolate is harmful to dogs and can cause seizures and even death. [2]
Source:
[1] https://realhealthyrecipes.com/recipes/real_food_truffes
[2] https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blogdecadent-delicious-disease-preventing-dark-chocolate/#truffles
