Valentine's day around the corner, chocolate is the ultimate indulgence to share, enjoy, degust, appreciate... ie LOVE.
So, what are the health and beauty benefits of this super star?
Listed as one of the most favorite food in the world, dark chocolate (70%-80% made from cocoa beans) remains an excellent source of vitamins B, phosphore, iron and magnesium which make it very stimulative for mind and body. Chocolate also contains anti-oxidants such as flavonol and proanthocyanines that improve blood circulation and may play a role in blood pressure. In addition, chocolate is rich in theobromin, a molecule that triggers a "bien-etre" sensation in the organism. Sounds like a lot of positive attributes, isnt it?
Dark chocolate is made up with more cacao and less sugar (and fat) than milk or white chocolate, making it the top choice for a sweet indulgence.
Whether chocolate is the best Valentine gift for your loved one or wether you just love enjoying a square or two now and then, make sure you choose high quality one to avoid poor dosage in cacao and top percentage in fat and sugar. My favorite ones are from Green and Black, Divine, Conscious, ombar, Bonneterre and Saveur et Nature.
Are you a chocolate lover? which type do you like best? let me know, I am curious !
My chocolate has to be dairy free. I have a sweet tooth so I don't like the bitterness of dark chocolate about 60% cocoa is my max. Not all dark chocolate brands are suitable for people like me (allergic to milk) so you have to watch out & read labels, it's such a bore! Booja Booja make an excellent dairy free champagne truffle :)
ReplyDeleteHello, thanks for your comment. Oh I see, milk allergy...hum. I can imagine that you often need to be "on your guard" and check everything. Let me find out a bit more about Booja Booja. It doesnt seem familiar to me.
DeleteI confess: I tend to have a sweet tooth too :-) !
I eat dairy free and soy free dark chocolate. Have you tried Theo?? Delicious, even the 70%. It satisfies by sweet tooth! My favorite is Theo Almond and Cherry dark chocolate.
DeleteHello Kourtney, oh no, I dont know Theo. Will check into their website. Always happy to hunt for sweet stuffs :-)!
DeleteLooks like Theo is an American brand, probably why I've never heard of it :)
DeleteYes it is :-)))))......
DeleteGreat post, I LOVE dark chocolate. Ever tried Hotel Chocolat 100%. Nice but can only stomach a square at a time, they do a nice one with pink peppercorns though x
ReplyDeleteHello, thank you. Welcome to the club of chocolate lovers ! I have not tried the 100% from Hotel Chocolat. Maybe too bitter for me perhaps....:-)
DeleteGreat post, chocolate always catches my eye! My chocolate has to be gluten free. I like to buy the Divine brand, mostly because I can purchase them locally. I tend to be drawn towards dark chocolate :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Dana, loves chocolates too :-). Divine is one of my favorite, definitely !
DeleteI love Chocolate, love the Lindt chocolate best... in fact I want some now :)it must be good for you, because I always feel better when I eat chocolate.... great post!
ReplyDeletex Marina
Hehe marina, feel like it too now! I used to get lots of Lindt when I was going to Switzerland...still remember the milk chocolate infused with orange:-)
Deletex
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to forward my love & award you with the Versatile Blogger Award! See the link attached: (=
http://naturallysunkissed.blogspot.com.au/
Keep up with your blog, it is wonderful!
xo
Thank you very much miss! Will defintitely do it very soon :-))))! xx
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