Everybody loves to indulge and enjoy some chocolate on occasion. When you think chocolate you probably think of milk chocolate candies or some freshly made chocolate dessert. What if I told you it was possible to enjoy chocolate without having to feel any guilt. The lack of guilt is not even the best part you can enjoy chocolate and even experience health benefits from your choice.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate that has little to no added sugar has more antioxidants than any fruit you can buy. There is even research showing that some of the properties of dark chocolate help to lower blood pressure and elevate a user’s cardiovascular health. The reason people associate chocolate with being un-healthy is that most people only eat milk chocolate or other forms of chocolate that have several additives. Most things we consider chocolate contain loads of sugar and dairy and very little chocolate.
To reap any health benefits from chocolate it must be at least 70 percent chocolate. The higher the percentage the more vitamins and antioxidants per ounce. Most people think 85 percent. is the best balance of taste and nutritional value. If you try to go any lower than 70 percent there will be too much-added sugar and milk and you will lose all of the health benefits. If dark chocolate is too bitter for your taste you can try using it as an ingredient in some healthy snacks.
Delicious and Healthy Dark Chocolate Snacks
Healthy snacks can also be delicious no matter what you have been told or experienced in the past. Try to tell anyone that chocolate banana and peanut butter ice cream do not sound amazing. The recipe is easy as well. You will just need some dark chocolate, frozen bananas, peanut butter, and a blender. Start by placing the frozen bananas in the blender and pulsing till you have a creamy consistency. Now add in the chocolate and a few large spoons of peanut butter. Pulse until all the ingredients are mixed well. Move your concoction to a freezer-safe bowl. Then cover the bowl and place it in the freezer. Leave it in the freezer for a few hours and then it is ready to enjoy.
You can also take the dark chocolate and melt it. It works great to dip whole nuts in. You can use any variety of nuts you like. Pecans and Walnuts will be the healthiest option as they are very high in dietary fiber and have a low glycemic impact. Dipping fruit into melted dark chocolate is another great way to use it to make a healthy treat. Try it on strawberries or blueberries; both of these fruits are also low on the glycemic index.
Ready-Made Healthy Chocolate Treats
Unfortunately, we do not always have time to make healthy chocolate snacks and need something we can grab and eat when we are short on time. Several companies offer healthy pre-made treats that contain dark chocolate. Make sure to double-check the ingredients in the snacks you choose to purchase. They need to only contain dark chocolate with 70 percent concentration or higher. Also, check to make sure there are no or very few added sugars.
Chocolate snacks do not have to leave you feeling guilty. You can indulge your love of chocolate and still maintain a healthy diet. Use the recipes you just read and research more to make snacks at home so you can reap the benefits of chocolate. Make sure to also buy some ready-made healthy chocolate treats for when you are in a hurry so you are never forced to eat something that you will have to feel guilty about. You can now enjoy chocolate daily and never have to regret it.
