Often, chocolate is thought of as a guilty pleasure. However, you may be surprised to learn that chocolate isn’t as bad for your waistline as you’ve been led to believe. In fact, chocolate offers some distinctive health benefits thanks to a plethora of flavanols and antioxidants, along with valuable nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Continue reading for a closer look at some common chocolate myths and the truth behind them.
Myth: Chocolate is unhealthy.
Chocolate isn’t like any other type of candy. Consumed in moderation, chocolate is actually a healthful addition to your diet. While many varieties of chocolate do contain sugar, chocolate itself is not necessarily bad for you. If you are worried about how much sugar you consume, dark chocolate is the perfect option—it’s low on the glycemic index and may even help reduce insulin sensitivity in diabetic individuals. In addition, chocolate’s rich nutritional value offers some unique benefits, including brain stimulation, stress relief, and cancer fighting properties.
Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine.
The presence of caffeine has given chocolate an undeserved negative reputation. There are trace amounts of caffeine in chocolate, but far less than you’d find in a cup of tea or coffee. If you tend to avoid caffeine, you can still consume chocolate without any jitteriness or other adverse side effects.
Myth: Chocolate isn’t environmentally sustainable.
When it comes to exotic foods like chocolate, sourcing and production are key to sustainability. Organic, fair trade chocolate is produced and harvested with sustainable practices, so you can feel better about enjoying it. In addition, responsibly sourced cocoa that’s roasted, milled, and conched by skilled chocolatiers offers the most depth of flavor in the final product.
Zotter Chocolate is organic, fair trade chocolate that’s produced bean-to-bar in Austria and shipped directly to the U.S. Discerning chocolate lovers can explore our extensive selection online or find our products at selected retailers across the country.Â