The Benefits Of Organic Dark Chocolate

By Michelle Howe


Chocolates are a source of pleasure to most people. However, not all chocolates are healthy. It is organic dark chocolate that provides the most health benefits and it can be included in any healthy diet. Many people do not try these chocolates because they are afraid of a bitter taste. This is not the case and there are delicious bars available with an intensity of flavor that many people actually prefer.

One of the differences of such a product is that all the ingredients must be certified organic. This certification requires strict standards. For example, they have to be cultivated without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Processing is limited and biodiversity as well as use of renewable resources is considered.

Fortunately, as demand grows, producers are creating bars using more real cocoa. Often these bars show a percentage on their wrappers, which indicates the amount of ingredients in the bar that actually come from the cocoa bean. There are other ingredients used in these bars like unrefined cane sugar and emulsifiers. Some people prefer bars without emulsifiers like soy-lecithin and they usually have a higher cocoa butter content.

The majority of cocoa is grown in West Africa, much of it coming from Ghana. This is because it does particularly well in an equatorial climate with humidity and enough rainfall. In order to make sure that workers are not exploited, many manufacturers only sell fair trade certified products. This means that trading conditions are controlled, workers are paid fair wages and sustainability is ensured.

The higher the cocoa content, the better a bar is for your health. A high level of antioxidants is found in cocoa. These are stable and easily available to human metabolism. They absorb free radicals which can cause cell and tissue damage.

Minerals like copper, iron, zinc and magnesium are also found in cocoa. All of these minerals are critical for healthy functioning of the body. Magnesium helps to keep the brain, heart and digestive system functioning well. Iron is needed for the red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body and helps the immune system to work properly.

Cocoa contains tryptophan and this essential amino acid is needed by the brain so that it can produce serotonin. Serotonin is a feel good neurotransmitter that gives a happy feeling. Other neurotransmitters like dopamine are also found in cocoa. This is why many people turn to chocolates when they are feeling low for that feeling of well being it gives.

The product may have all the health benefits in the world but the taste matters too. People often fear that dark chocolate may have an overly bitter taste. They are often surprised by the delicious intensity of flavor. Other ingredients like organic vanilla may be added to round out the bitter notes and soften any tartness. Numerous other ingredients like fruit, nuts, mint and chili may also be added to enhance the taste experience and give texture.

These products are becoming so popular that they are more widely available than ever before. They are sold at health stores, farmers markets and at many online stores too. One can easily place orders online at the websites of manufacturers. If you want to enjoy the pleasure of chocolates without any of the guilt, make sure that you choose organic dark chocolate.




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