How Dark is Your Chocolate??

Dark chocolate is not favorable for most Americans, but it is the most beneficial of all the chocolate options. Dark chocolate should be 70-85% cocoa to be full of flavonoids and contain less sugar, compared to milk chocolate. Studies say that it is hard to get the actual helpful amount of flavonoids to help aid in heart health.

In a 2017 study that closely controlled what people ate, researchers found that eating raw almonds, dark chocolate, and cocoa helped lower "bad" LDL cholesterol in people who are overweight or obese. But when investigators took the almonds away, dark chocolate and cocoa alone didn't appear to aid heart health. (Are there health benefits from chocolate?, 2019)

So I say, still have a little fun with your chocolate. Enjoy it, find what you like, in moderation :)

I love making my own trail mix of raw almonds, walnuts, and dark chocolate chips. I even love to snack on dark chocolate almonds. Just a handful a day is perfect to help with the sweet tooth while protecting your heart health!! Also, adding raw cacao to your smoothies is a great option to increase your flavonoids for heart health and inflammation!!

Click here to try some yummy, easy chocolate energy bites!!