Monday, November 26, 2012

Is Dark Chocolate Fattening? The Truth

image credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Is dark chocolate fattening? What is the nutritional value of dark chocolate? In most basic terms, who in the world wouldn’t love chocolate? Of all treats, chocolate is simply an irresistible indulgence. Imagine its soft, dark body oozing with creaminess and soothing aroma. Imagine Hersheys, Cadburry, even Kisses. Then came Musketeers and Milky Way. Then came a nutty twist with Nutella and Ferrero. Chocolate is, nevertheless, overpowering. It is like the famous ad in M&M’s: it melts in your mouth.

How to Lose Belly Fast   Low Carb Diets   Make Money Online Without a Website

On the contrary, with the upsurge of dieting and nutrition awareness programs, eating chocolate has become a “fattening” issue. Most people say chocolate indeed scores high in calories but how about dark chocolate? Is dark chocolate fattening? Most people don’t know is that, dark chocolate is not simply oozing with heavenly goodness but with healthy benefits as well. Here are what the experts have to say about.

Anti Aging Supplements   Healthy Breakfast   How to Lose Weight Fast

Is dark chocolate fattening? Here are the basics. When it comes to calories in dark chocolate, 3 squares of the treat – equivalent to 37 grams - can yield about 170 calories with 110 of it from fat. Is it fattening? Anything with calories, when eaten excessively, is definitely fattening. Since a person needs 3,500 calories to gain a pound, a person beginning to eat dark chocolate regularly must need to deduct his calorie intake elsewhere. It is basically a give and take relationship. When it comes to fats, 65% of the calories in dark chocolate come from fat and 33% of it is oleic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat proven to lower down harmful cholesterol level. Other kinds of fat found in dark chocolate are stearic acid, a type of saturated fat, and pamitic acid, also another type of saturated fat. However, the amount of saturated fat does not affect the health benefits of the dark treat. According to the reputable Harvard Medical School, dark chocolate has never shown to increase cholesterol levels.

When it comes to added health benefits, dark chocolate is a sure winner. Dark chocolate scores high in flavonoids – a substance known to regulate blood pressure and harmful LDL. The chocolate is also known to keep a person satiated, leaving unwanted cravings behind. Now, is dark chocolate fattening?

Healthy Eating Plan   Flat Stomach   Teeth Whitening