Dark Chocolate is a Superfood? The facts! Revised 2017

One of my clients proudly shared an article with me last week that talked about the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate. Some time ago another client smugly shared a similar article in Reader's Digest. An acquaintance eats a large amount of dark chocolate with every meal. Is dark chocolate really the healthy food these articles suggest?

In my view, we have to be discerning when reading such articles. It may well be true that dark chocolate contains compounds, such as antioxidants, which are believed to have health giving benefits but ...

Read on!

High in Calories

While eating those bars of chocolate you just justified to yourself, remember that a 100g bar of dark chocolate contains 600 calories of energy. It will take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes of brisk walking to burn that energy. Or consider it the other way… if you are trying to lose fat, skipping that bar of chocolate each day will help you lose more than 1/2kg each week.

Make choices that will serve you well, and be honest with yourself.

Being Overweight and Obesity are Disease Risk Factors

Please remember that being overweight or obese are risk factors for many diseases, ranging from Diabetes, Coronary Heart disease, cancer, and so many others.

High in Caffeine

Dark chocolate can contain large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can increase blood pressure, and can cause other health related issues for many people. If you have higher than optimal blood pressure, or a sensitivity to caffeine, then the caffeine is likely to exacerbate the problem.

High in Sugar

Dark chocolate contains large amounts of sugar. Even 70% cocoa chocolate contains nearly 30% sugar. Some dark chocolate contains 48% sugar. Again – think high calories, weight gain, diabetes, and tooth decay.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables are Great Sources of Antioxidants

Please remember fresh fruit and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants.

Balanced Diet

Remember it is best to concentrate on eating a well balanced diet, including lots of fruit and vegetables. Feel free to enjoy treats in moderation, such as a small amount of chocolate, once in a while.

Some Great Resources to Help with Improving Your Diet:

Heart Foundation NZ

The Heart Foundation of New Zealand has a good guide to Healthy Eating. We suggest this is a great place to start when choosing to eat healthier. Heart Foundation NZ Healthy Eating

Diabetes New Zealand

Diabetes New Zealand also has some great Healthy Eating tips. Diabetes NZ Healthy Food Choices & Tips

Ministry of Health

There are some excellent guides to Healthy Eating on the Ministry of Health website too. Ministry of Health Healthy eating