Dark chocolate

Swiss dark chocolate

Dark chocolate (also known as black chocolate[1], plain chocolate,[2] or bitter chocolate[3]) is a form of chocolate which contains a higher percentage of cocoa solids and cocoa butter than milk chocolate, and little to no dairy product. Government and industry standards of what products may be labeled "dark chocolate" vary by country and market.[4]

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is relatively low in sugar. It has a reputation as a healthier alternative to other types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate.[5][6] Dark chocolate has been identified as a potential "superfood".[7] This has helped lead to a global increase in demand for dark chocolate.[8]

Health benefits

Most dark chocolates that have over 70% cocoa on the market today contain a series of chemicals that interact with cell and tissue components that help protect against the development and effects of certain diseases and illnesses.[9] In cocoa and cocoa products the flavanols that are responsible for the health benefits are referred to as: monomers, epicatechin, and catechin.[9]

When consuming high levels of cocoa, evidence shows that flavanols have proven to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve mental cognition, and has also been shown to potentially lower the risk of diabetes in some people.[10]

Diets that are rich in antioxidants including foods such as cocoa, fruits and vegetables promote better health. They even show signs of potentially delaying the onset of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, certain cancers, and several other age-related degenerative disorders.[9]

Nutritional content

Dark Chocolate (70-85% cacao solids)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 2,708.42 kJ (647.33 kcal)
45.90 g
Sugars 23.99 g
Dietary fiber 10.9 g
42.63 g
Saturated 24.489 g
Trans 0.030 g
Monounsaturated 12.781 g
Polyunsaturated 1.257 g
7.79 g
Vitamins Quantity %DV†
Vitamin A equiv.
0%
2 μg
Vitamin A 39 IU
Thiamine (B1)
3%
0.034 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
7%
0.078 mg
Niacin (B3)
7%
1.076 mg
Vitamin B6
29%
0.38 mg
Vitamin E
4%
0.59 mg
Vitamin K
7%
7.3 μg
Minerals Quantity %DV†
Calcium
7%
73 mg
Iron
92%
11.90 mg
Magnesium
64%
228 mg
Phosphorus
44%
308 mg
Potassium
15%
715 mg
Sodium
1%
20 mg
Zinc
35%
3.31 mg
Other constituents Quantity
Water 1.37 g
Caffeine 80 mg
Cholesterol 3 mg
Link to USDA Database entry
†Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Dark Chocolate Side Effects". Med-Health.net.
  2. ↑ "Bittersweet Chocolate". nigella.com. 4 July 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016. Dark or plain chocolate is chocolate made with cocoa solids, sugar and cocoa butter (or vegetable oils in cheaper chocolates).
  3. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bitter-chocolate
  4. ↑ "What is dark chocolate?". Baking Bites. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  5. ↑ "Dark Chocolate Is Healthy Chocolate". WebMD. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  6. ↑ "Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled". Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  7. ↑ "Is Chocolate the Next Super Food?". WebMD. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  8. ↑ "Preference for dark chocolate continues". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 Galleano, Monica (1 December 2010). "Cocoa, chocolate and cardiovascular disease". J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. doi:10.1097/FJC.0b013e3181b76787. PMC 2797556.
  10. ↑ Drayer, Lisa. "Is dark chocolate healthy?". www.cnn.com.


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