Dark chocolate, particularly those with high cocoa content (e.g., 85%), is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and minerals, associated with several health benefits. Flavonoids, for instance, can help improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow. Antioxidants can protect the body against damage caused by free radicals, while minerals like magnesium can support bone and muscle health.
Optimising your glucose with 85% dark chocolate
• Choose high-quality, organic 85% dark chocolate with minimal added sugars and other additives.
• Consume dark chocolate in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• A single serving size of 85% dark chocolate is 1 to 2 ounces (28-56 grams) daily.
• Dark chocolate should not be used as a replacement for other healthy foods in the diet.
• Aim for a higher percentage of dark chocolate, say 90-99%, so the chances of sugars being present are lesser.
Health benefits from chocolate while minimising the amount of added sugars and other unwanted additives; it’s best to choose high-quality, organic, and minimally processed 100% cacao chocolate. Dark chocolate with at least 85% cacao content is also a good choice. Be careful when choosing chocolate, as some brands may add sneaky sugars like maltodextrin, corn syrup, or other syrups to their products, which can counteract the health benefits of the chocolate.
