The 4-ingredient homemade & healthy chocolate that will change your life (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest chocolate to eat? ›

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.

One element in particular is called tryptophan; this is an amino acid that helps the brain to make serotonin; a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. Phenylethlalanine and Theobromine are other components in chocolate that can make us feel happy.

Studies have proven that, when we eat chocolate, our brain releases chemicals such as endorphins or serotonin, which are known to be associated with happiness and overall wellness.

White chocolate is the worst – it has more calories than milk chocolate and more sugar than dark. Read more: Why does chocolate make us happy?

"Dark chocolate absolutely is considered a superfood. It has fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, to name a few key nutrients. It also packs a powerful antioxidant punch, containing flavanols and polyphenols among others, which have been linked to heart health.

One randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed that high-dose cocoa polyphenol treatment (500 mg of polyphenols) significantly enhanced positive mood, while mood remained unaffected under low-dose treatment (250 mg of polyphenols) [32].

Dark chocolate, particularly with a high cocoa content (70% or more), contains flavonoids that can stimulate the release of endorphins and enhance dopamine levels.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

That could be the effects of phenylethylamine, a chemical which stimulates the brain's pleasure centres and which is released when we fall in love. And the food that contains the highest concentrations of phenylethylamine? Yep—chocolate. No wonder it's so popular on Valentine's Day.

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate, in particular, are known to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow and circulation to the heart.

Additionally, Ghirardelli's process of hand-selecting the world's finest cocoa beans and roasting them to perfection ensures an intense chocolate flavor. Other brands with similar cacao content may not be as selective in their roasting process to get the same intense chocolate flavor.

What is the purest form of chocolate? ›

Cacao is considered chocolate in its purest form. It's the raw ingredient from which all chocolate is made, even white chocolate.

Chocolate also contains phenylalanine which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine helps to support mood cognition (3) and regulates the hormone prolactin. High prolactin can suppress the hormones of the menstrual cycle.

When we eat chocolate, our brains make a chemical called serotonin. This chemical helps us feel good and happy. So, when we're feeling sad or anxious, chocolate can actually help us feel better. Chocolate has something called tryptophan, which is like a building block for serotonin.

Chocolate may interact with some neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine), serotonin and endorphins (contained in cocoa and chocolate) that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.

Of the three types of chocolate — dark, milk and white — dark chocolate is the healthiest, nutrition experts say.

Clean Chocolate is plant-based (dairy-free), raw, sweetened with only low glycemic coconut sugar (a cleanse-approved sweetener due to its antioxidants, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and minimally processed nature), and made from just a few simple ingredients.

What tastes like chocolate but is healthy? Cocoa powder can be used to add chocolate flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and more without any added sugar. If you're looking for easy ways to experiment with cocoa powder, try this no added sugar cocoa protein shake recipe or this chocolatey overnight oats recipe.

Optimally, you should look for dark chocolate that has a higher percentage of cocoa, which is generally a good indicator of the amount of flavonoids it contains. Don't expect to get the same heart-healthy effects from milk chocolate or white chocolate.