Natural dark chocolate contains a mixture of cocoa beans with cocoa butter and a minimum amount of sugar in the complete absence of flavors and other flavorings. The higher the cocoa content in the chocolate bar (from 55% to 90%), the healthier the product. Moreover, it is bitter chocolate that is allowed and even recommended for women during the diet.
The product stimulates brain activity and increases the effectiveness of physical activity during sports. Male athletes appreciate quality dark chocolate for its ability to strengthen the heart and energize the body.
Chemical composition and calorie content
Quality chocolate has a pronounced bitter taste and dense texture, rich dark color with a shiny surface. Average energy value of 100 g of dark chocolate is 500-540 kcal. Depending on the percentage of cocoa beans in the product, the chemical composition and calorie content change slightly (but only if a bar with at least 55% cocoa content is used, otherwise it is no longer bitter, but dark chocolate).
Nutritional value of the product per 100 g:
- proteins - 6.3 g;
- fats - 35.3 g;
- carbohydrates - 48.1 g;
- water - 0.7 g;
- dietary fiber - 7.3 g;
- ash - 1.2 g;
- organic acids - 0.8 g
The ratio of BJU in dark chocolate is 1.2 / 5.6 / 7.9, respectively, and the calorie content of 1 slice (square) of dark chocolate is 35.8 kcal. The energy value of a chocolate bar directly depends on the number of grams indicated on the package.
Note: The daily intake of the natural product is 27 g, which is approximately one third of a chocolate bar. The glycemic index of bars with a cocoa content higher than 60-72% reaches 25.
The chemical composition of dark chocolate per 100 g in the form of a table:
| Item name | unit of measurement | Content in the product |
| Thiamine | mg | 0,04 |
| Vitamin PP | mg | 2,21 |
| Vitamin B2 | mg | 0,08 |
| Niacin | mg | 0,8 |
| Vitamin E | mg | 0,7 |
| Iron | mg | 5,7 |
| Phosphorus | mg | 169 |
| Potassium | mg | 365 |
| Magnesium | mg | 132,6 |
| Calcium | mg | 44,8 |
| Sodium | mg | 7,8 |
| Saturated fatty acids | r | 20,68 |
| Starch and dextrins | r | 5,5 |
| Disaccharides | r | 42,7 |
Bitter chocolate is suitable for dietary nutrition only if the product is consumed up to 16 hours. After lunch, excess calories will be deposited as fat on the sides and thighs.
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The difference between dark and bitter chocolate
An important skill when buying high-quality and healthy products is the ability to distinguish dark chocolate from bitter. Natural dark chocolate should contain only 3 components:
- grated cocoa beans;
- powdered sugar;
- cocoa butter.
Comparison table:
| Composition of the product | Dark (black) chocolate | Natural bitter chocolate |
| Percentage of grated cocoa beans | 45-55 | 55-90 |
| Cocoa butter percentage | 20-30 | 30 and more |
| Sugar | Is in the composition | Completely or practically absent |
| Flavors, flavors, filling | Can be varied | Completely absent |
The calorie content of dark chocolate is slightly higher than that of natural bitter, and is 550 kcal per 100 g and more. The product is not classified as dietary.
High-quality tiles do not melt in hands and have a characteristic crunch when breaking. The color of the chocolate is dark brown, but not black.
Health Benefits
The most remarkable effect of chocolate on the body is to improve mood through the production of endorphins in the blood.
Other beneficial properties from regular consumption of the product in moderation are manifested as follows:
- Thanks to the composition of chocolate rich in vitamins and minerals, in particular, efficiency increases, concentration and attention improve, and brain activity increases.
- Bitter chocolate affects the cardiovascular system and prevents the development of thrombosis. The confectionery product acts as a preventive measure against the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Due to the antioxidants included in the product, the aging process slows down and the rate of cell regeneration increases.
- The product helps to eliminate harmful chemicals, poisons and toxins from the body.
- Due to the high content of phosphorus, fluorine and calcium in the composition of chocolate, the bone skeleton is strengthened.
- Systematic consumption of the product helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
- Thanks to the product, the functioning of nerve cells improves. Chocolate is used to treat depression and lethargy, although there is no scientific evidence of the product's beneficial effects on nervous disorders.
- It is recommended to eat chocolate during weight loss in the morning or in the first half of the day to saturate the body with useful elements that it is deprived of due to diet.
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A few bites of this natural product will increase productivity and energize the body. The benefits of eating chocolate are equally great for women and men.
Important! In small quantities, high-quality dark chocolate can be eaten with diabetes mellitus, since the product helps to normalize the process of assimilation of sugar by the body. For diabetics, a special dark chocolate is produced using safe sweeteners instead of powdered sugar.
Dark chocolate myths
It is believed that the confection is one of the products that have a negative impact on the condition of teeth, health and shape.
Dark Chocolate Myths:
- The product causes tooth decay and erodes enamel. The belief is completely wrong, because chocolate is almost sugar-free and contains tannins, which neutralize harmful bacteria in the oral cavity that cause tooth decay.
- Chocolate is good for depression and can cure symptoms. This is not true, the product really has an effect on mood and increases it, but the effect is short-term and does not have any decisive therapeutic value.
- Dark chocolate aggravates inflammation in the throat. This is not true, dark chocolate is useful during inflammation, as it softens the cough, having an enveloping effect on the mucous membrane.
Bitter chocolate does not raise blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension, even if a single bar is consumed. The amount of caffeine in the product is small - only 20 mg per 100 g. Moreover, high-quality dark chocolate can even lower blood pressure.
Contraindications and harm to the body
Overuse of dark chocolate can lead to weight gain. The product causes negative reactions in case of individual intolerance or allergies.
Contraindications to the use of chocolate are as follows:
- gout;
- urolithiasis, as the product can affect the formation of kidney stones;
- systematic consumption of chocolate in large quantities causes food addiction;
- in older people, chocolate increases the risk of osteoporosis.
The amount of caffeine in chocolate is safe for your health.
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Outcome
Bitter chocolate is a healthy product that can only harm the body if consumed excessively. The confectionery product contains a rich set of vitamins and minerals, has a positive effect on the functioning of internal organs and affects the state of health in general. Natural dark chocolate with 90% cocoa beans can be eaten by diabetics and women who are losing weight.
