Calories in Dark Chocolate - Health Benefits, NUTRIENTS, AND MANY MORE

Dark chocolate is a favourite among many, especially those who prefer not to consume milk chocolate. But are you aware of the calorie content in dark chocolate? This article will provide a detailed account of the nutrients in dark chocolate, its calorie content, health benefits, and other details.

Calorie content in dark chocolate:

Dark chocolate can often be high in calorie content. Most of its calories are derived from the healthy fats and some amounts of carbohydrates that are present in it. But a great deal of these calories can depend on the portion size that you are consuming. So, if you are consuming almost around 100 grams of dark chocolate (around 70 to 80 per cent), then you are most likely to take in approximately 550 to 600 calories. The calorie content will significantly decrease to around 110 to 150 kcal when you consume around two squares of dark chocolate, containing 20 to 25 grams of serving.

Nutritional components in dark chocolate:

Dark chocolate is often considered as a rich source of some of the major types of nutrients that are required for your overall health and wellness. Here is a detailed account of some of the most common nutrients found in dark chocolate:

Minerals:

Dark chocolate can be a rich source of some of the vital minerals that are required in the body. For instance, if you are consuming a 100-gram bar of dark chocolate, then you are likely to take in minerals like iron that can aid in improving oxygen transport in the blood and the condition of haemoglobin, copper for better formation of collagen and metabolism of the iron, magnesium for better functioning of the muscles, nerves, and energy.

Dark chocolate may also contain some amounts of manganese that can help to support your bone health and can also help to keep your heart healthy. Other minerals found in dark chocolate may include phosphorus and potassium, which can be important for improving the functions and health conditions of the heart and muscles.

Other nutrients:

Other than these, dark chocolate, being made from cocoa, can contain some amounts of carbohydrates that provide energy. Dark chocolate is also rich in some amounts of dietary fibre that helps in improving your digestive system. This fibre also keeps you regular by helping you to have better gut health and smoother bowel movements.

Dark chocolate can also contain some amounts of antioxidants in the form of flavonoids, especially components such as epicatechin and catechin, which can help to prevent oxidative stress and improve your overall health.

Health benefits of having dark chocolate:

The nutrients that are present in dark chocolate can provide numerous health benefits. Some of the major health benefits of having dark chocolate can be listed below:

1. Improved heart health: The minerals in dark chocolate can help to improve the functions of the heart and reduce the risks of cholesterol.

2. Improving mood: Dark chocolate can stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins, which can lift your mood.

3. Rich source of antioxidants: The rich antioxidants in dark chocolate can help to improve the immune system.

Which doctor should you consult before consuming dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate is more or less healthy, but some people may need to limit the consumption of dark chocolate based on their health conditions, at least in terms of percentage or portion size. So, before you start adding dark chocolate to your diet, it is important for you to know whether you can even have it at all. For this, you need to consult a registered dietitian or a nutrition expert who will be able to tell you how much dark chocolate you can have per day based on your calorie intake, the percentage of dark chocolate suitable for you, and other details.

Final Thoughts:

Dark chocolate is often a healthier choice over milk chocolate when it comes to eating it. It is not only important for its health benefits, but also due to the presence of rich amounts of nutrients in it. Besides, dark chocolate lacks any added sugar, which makes it a better choice of chocolate for diabetic people. Dark chocolate contains some of the most vital minerals and antioxidants and is moderate in calorie content. The nutrients in dark chocolate can provide enough health benefits to the body, such as regulating heart health, giving energy, enhancing mood, and so on.

Also Check: Calories in ice Cream: IS IT HEALTHY FOR YOU AT ALL?