Is 100% cocoa considered dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, whereas milk chocolate contains anywhere from 10-50% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, milk in some form, and sugar.

hsph.harvard.edu - Dark Chocolate | The Nutrition Source

What is the difference between BPH and enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate is when your prostate gland becomes larger than normal. It's also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH for short. Benign...

Last updated Jul 19, 2018

What is a healthy cranberry juice?

Tip. The healthiest cranberry juice is one made from 100 percent juice, preferably all cranberries, without any added sugar or additives.

Last updated Feb 5, 2022

Promotion

No introductions are needed for this highly treasured food that dates back to 2000 BC. At that time, the Maya from Central America, the first connoisseurs of chocolate, drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices or wine. Today, the long rows of chocolate squares sitting neatly on your store shelves are the end result of many steps that begin as a cacao pod, larger than the size of your hand. Seeds (or beans) are extracted from the pod and fermented, dried, and roasted into what we recognize as cocoa beans. The shells of the bean are then separated from the meat, or cocoa nibs. The nibs are ground into a liquid called chocolate liquor, and separated from the fatty portion, or cocoa butter. The liquor is further refined to produce the cocoa solids and chocolate that we eat. After removing the nibs, the cocoa bean is ground into cocoa powder that is used in baking or beverages. Dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar, whereas milk chocolate contains anywhere from 10-50% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, milk in some form, and sugar. Though dark chocolate should not contain milk, there may be traces of milk from cross-contamination during processing, as the same machinery is often used to produce milk and dark chocolate. Lower quality chocolates may also add butter fat, vegetable oils, or artificial colors or flavors. White chocolate does not contain any cocoa solids and is made simply of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk.

Dark Chocolate and Health

Cocoa is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols that may help to protect the heart. Dark chocolate contains up to 2-3 times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids than milk chocolate. Flavanols have been shown to support the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the endolethium (the inner cell lining of blood vessels) that helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure. [1,2] Flavanols in chocolate can increase insulin sensitivity in short term studies; in the long run this could reduce risk of diabetes. [3,4] Observational studies support the benefits of cocoa flavanols. The link between blood pressure and high cocoa intake was described in a study of the Kuna Indians, an isolated tribe who live on the Caribbean Coast of Panama. [5] Hypertension was extremely uncommon in this group, even among older ages, and even with a dietary salt intake that is greater than most Western populations. When the Kuna migrated to urban environments and changed their diets, their rates of high blood pressure increased. Notably, their traditional intake of cocoa as a beverage was very high, at more than five cups daily of either home-grown or Colombian cocoa powder rich in flavanols. The urinary levels of flavanols in the island-dwelling Kuna were significantly higher and their rates of death from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes significantly lower than their counterparts living in urban centers. Other observational studies suggest a link between high cocoa or chocolate intake of 6 grams daily (1-2 small squares) and a reduced risk of heart disease and mortality, possibly in part by reducing blood pressure and inflammation. [6,7]

What is death from a brain tumor like?

It may become slower, less regular and shallower. Or it could become deeper and more rapid. If your loved one is anxious or agitated, or if their...

Last updated Nov 12, 2022

What is a good replacement for chocolate?

8 Healthy Alternatives to Chocolate Fruit. What better way to satisfy a sweet craving while still staying within a healthy eating plan than with...

Last updated Jul 19, 2019

Promotion

Dark chocolate is high in calories (150-170 calories per ounce) and can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. However, chocolate, like nuts can induce satiety, so the longer term implications for weight control are not clear. It also contains a moderate amount of saturated fat, which can negatively affect blood lipid levels, though its heart-protective effects from flavanols appear to outweigh the risk. Choosing dark chocolate and eating modest quantities may offer the greatest health benefits.

Purchase and Storage

Choose 70% dark chocolate or higher to obtain the most flavanols. Though keep in mind that the higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the greater the bitter flavor. Store in a cool dry area (65-70 F) in a tightly sealed container. Do not refrigerate, which can promote the chocolate to “bloom,” a whitish coating caused by sugar rising to the surface due to excess moisture. Bloom does not affect flavor but does not look appealing. If stored properly, dark chocolate will last up to two years.

Serve

To melt: Dark chocolate should be heated gradually to prevent scorching. This may be done on a stove top on low heat or in a microwave oven on 50% power. Break chocolate into smaller pieces and place in pan or microwave to heat. Stir continually (or after each minute) to ensure even heating. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate over oatmeal, yogurt, or fresh fruit for an easy healthful snack. Serve a few squares of dark chocolate or chocolate curls with fresh fruit and nuts for an easy elegant dessert. Serve a few squares of dark chocolate or chocolate curls with fresh fruit and nuts for an easy elegant dessert. Blend 1-2 tablespoons of unprocessed cocoa with one large frozen banana for a dairy-free version of chocolate ice cream. Because the bitter flavor increases with a higher percentage of cocoa solids, try taking a small piece and allowing it to melt slowly in your mouth. This technique may offer a different, more pleasurable experience than quickly chewing and swallowing the chocolate.

Did You Know?

What is the best prostate supplement over the counter?

Life Extension PalmettoGuard. Persona Prostate Support. Havasu Nutrition Saw Palmetto. NOW Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols. NOW Supplements Pygeum...

Last updated Apr 16, 2021

Why do women's breast get bigger with age?

Natural decline of estrogen With less elasticity, the breasts lose firmness and fullness and can develop a stretched and looser appearance. It's...

Last updated Mar 2, 2018

Promotion

Cocoa is sometimes treated with alkali, or Dutch-processed, to improve the flavor and appearance. However this causes a significant loss of flavanols. Natural cocoa, found in the baking aisle, retains the most flavanols. [8] The higher percentage of cocoa solids, the higher the caffeine content. Two ounces of 70% dark chocolate contains about 50-60 mg caffeine. In comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 100-200 milligrams of caffeine. If your chocolate has developed bloom, no need to throw it out! You can remove the bloom by melting the chocolate, stirring it well, and then allowing it to slowly cool back into a solid. Chocolate is derived from an intensive process of farming, harvesting, and transport, often employing less expensive labor or child labor overseas. “Fair-Trade” labeled chocolate certifies that the chocolate has been manufactured at a fair wage and with the exclusion of child labor.

Terms of Use

The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The Nutrition Source does not recommend or endorse any products.

hsph.harvard.edu - Dark Chocolate | The Nutrition Source

What age do you get enlarged prostate?

Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe...

Last updated Mar 19, 2022

What percentage of prostate cancer is fatal?

The 5-year survival rate for people with prostate cancer in the United States is 98%. The 10-year survival rate is also 98%. Approximately 84% of...

Last updated Sep 6, 2018

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

What are the 4 types of values?

The four types of value include: functional value, monetary value, social value, and psychological value. The sources of value are not equally...

Last updated Apr 17, 2019

Promotion

What vitamins help block DHT?

These 8 Vitamin Supplements Help Block DHT Biotin aka Vitamin B7. ... Another easy way to ensure that you're getting more biotin is to include...

Last updated Dec 18, 2018

Is 100% cocoa considered dark chocolate?

What is the difference between BPH and enlarged prostate?

What is a healthy cranberry juice?

Dark Chocolate and Health

What is death from a brain tumor like?

What is a good replacement for chocolate?

Purchase and Storage

Serve

Did You Know?

What is the best prostate supplement over the counter?

Why do women's breast get bigger with age?

Related

Terms of Use

What age do you get enlarged prostate?

What percentage of prostate cancer is fatal?

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

What are the 4 types of values?

What vitamins help block DHT?