How to Make Homemade Healthy Dark Chocolate

Is chocolate one of those foods you love? Do you often feel guilty after eating it? Consuming healthy dark chocolate, however, can make a great difference.

After a long day at work, I know nothing satisfies me like a chocolate bar. I know you feel the same way too. (:

There are three different chocolates. These are white, milk, and dark chocolate.

Milk chocolate is made from 10- 50 percent cocoa solids, milk, cocoa butter, and sugar. The strong chocolate taste that comes from cocoa is reduced.

White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, and vanilla for flavoring. It does not contain cocoa solids like dark and milk chocolate.

Dark chocolate contains 50-90 percent cocoa solids, sugar, and cocoa butter. The chocolate becomes better for you as the bitter taste increases.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate for women

This food not only tastes great but is also good for women.

1. Dark chocolate helps with weight loss

Research has shown that those eating dark chocolate were slimmer than those avoiding it completely.

It has also been found to give feelings of fullness, and reduce cravings which helps with losing weight.

2. Increases the Function of the Heart

The high flavonoids found in cocoa may help with the lowering of blood pressure.

It also helps with the decreased risks of strokes and heart attacks according to a study made.

3. Boosts Your Mood

Want to feel happy in spite of what is happening in your life? Dark chocolate can help.

Studies have shown improvement in mental health.

Choose a bar that is 70 percent cocoa and above. This is considered the healthier type of dark chocolate.

It may reduce the stress that can come from running your business. Illnesses like depression and anxiety are also prevented.

Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants and nutrients.

4. Get Great-Looking Skin

We all as women like glowing and youthful-looking skin.

This is where dark chocolate works well.

The manganese it contains is great for the formation of collagen which is a must for women.

It also helps with the healing of wounds in the skin cells of our bodies.

Healthy dark chocolate also has calcium. This plays an important part in the healthy cell regeneration of the skin.

When you consume this treat, it causes your skin to look plump and beautiful.

We have clearly seen that not only is dark chocolate delicious it is also very good for our bodies.

4. Dark Chocolate May Be Good for Your Gut

Not only can you drop some pounds but this nutritious food can help to fix your gut bacteria.

Studies have shown that the microbes that live in our gut play an important role. The fiber and antioxidants in cocoa are fermented from needed bacteria that are found there.

5. Loaded with antioxidants

The antioxidants that are found in dark chocolate include polyphenols and flavonols. They prevent damage to the tissues and cells in your body, and may also help with the prevention of some illnesses.

6. Dark Chocolate is essential for Pregnant Women

When we are pregnant our aim must always be to have a healthy child. This means eating loads of minerals and vitamins.

Cocoa contains nutrients like magnesium, folic acid, and zinc. These all help in having a healthy diet during pregnancy.

7. Boosts Your Concentration and Energy

Have you been feeling tired lately from having too much work? Nibble on some dark chocolate.

Some studies have shown its natural stimulants can boost your concentration.

You will also regain the needed energy to get your work done. The small amount of caffeine it contains is enough to get the job done.

Try it at breakfast to get and keep you awake to face your busy days.

Dark Chocolate Nutrients

100 g (3.5 oz) Dark Chocolate, 70-85 % cocoa solids

• Calories                                                                  600
• Carbohydrates                                                      45.9 g
• Dietary fiber                                                          10.9 g
• Fats                                                                          42.6 g
• Protein                                                                       7.79 g
• Sugars                                                                           24 g
• Water                                                                          1.37 G
• Iron                                                                            11.90 mcg
• Copper                                                                         1.77 mg
• Manganese                                                                  1.95 mg
• Magnesium                                                                    228 mg
• Phosphorus                                                                    308 mg
• Zinc                                                                                3.31  mg
• Calcium                                                                             73 mg
• Caffeine                                                                             80 mg
• Cholesterol                                                                          3 mg

Why not give this homemade healthy dark chocolate recipe below a try? With all of the above benefits of dark chocolate, you can enjoy it daily, and keep your body strong and healthy.

Unlike much store-bought chocolate which contains processed and unhealthy sweeteners, it is good for you.

Cocoa butter is replaced with coconut oil.

Honey is used instead of sugar.

What also makes this recipe great is that you can add your favorite foods. Some varieties are grated coconut, nuts, or raisins, to name a few.

You can put it together in about 10 minutes because it is so easy to make.

If you have kids they can even help you with the recipe. This means you can feel good knowing that they are also eating healthily.

Make a batch of at least six bars. This will then mean having them at hand whenever you have the feeling for a smooth tasty treat.

 Homemade Healthy Dark Chocolate

 

• Coconut oil is good to add to your diet. It contains many nutrients that are great for your skin, metabolism, and hair. Because it hardens just like cocoa butter when placed in the refrigerator it is a great substitute.
• When cocoa powder is used in dark chocolate it gives a good source of minerals and helpful antioxidants for your body.
• The vanillin found in pure vanilla extract is known to have powerful antioxidants. It may even help with keeping the brain well.
• Honey is an excellent replacement for sugar. Its health benefits include being high in antioxidants, improving the health of your heart, and helping with the healing of wounds.

The Ingredients

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoon honey (or to taste)

Directions

Boil water in a pot on moderate heat.

Place coconut oil in a heat-resistant bowl. Put over boiling water. Stir until melted.

Add honey. Mix well into oil.

Turn off the stove.

Add cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.

Remove the bowl from the heat.

Add vanilla extract.

Pour into the chocolate mold. Gently shake to even out the mixture.

Put on a plate or flat surface. Refrigerate for about one to two hours, or until set.

Remove and enjoy a few bars.

How to Store Dark Chocolate

Like all chocolates, it is best to store them in a cool place.  These chocolates melt easily so do not leave them out for a long period.

Put into an air-tight container. Refrigerate until you are ready to consume them.