How to Enjoy Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a healthier form of chocolate than milk chocolate.

Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content and less sugar than other kinds of chocolate, such as milk chocolate. This makes dark chocolate a healthier alternative, especially since cocoa contains a type of antioxidants, called flavonoids, which may lower your risk for heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Look for chocolate with a label that states it contains at least 60 percent cocoa for the greatest health benefits.

Things You'll Need

• 7 oz. dark chocolate
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Lidded plastic container
• Bowl
• Fruit

Instructions

1. Place 7 oz. of dark chocolate on a cutting board. Cut the chocolate into 7 pieces of equal size so you have a single 1 oz. serving for each day of the week.

2. Put six pieces of the dark chocolate in a plastic lidded container and place in a cool area of your home or in your refrigerator so the chocolate does not melt.

3. Eat the remaining piece slowly to savor the dark chocolate flavor.

4. Place the piece of chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, melt it and use it as a delicious dip for fruit, such as strawberries or bananas.

Tips & Warnings

• For maximum health benefits from eating dark chocolate, avoid drinking milk with it because milk binds to the antioxidants and makes these important nutrients unavailable to the body.

• Despite the health benefits of chocolate, it does contain calories and eating it can contribute to weight gain if not done in moderation.

References

• University of Michigan Integrative Medicine: Dark Chocolate
• Facts About Chocolate: The Health Benefits of Chocolate