Dark chocolate, with its rich, velvety texture and deep, wholesome flavor, is a cheat meal for many of us. But did you know this cocoa-rich dark chocolate prevents heart diseases, aids weight loss, and is packed with countless antioxidants? Hold on yet! The best time to eat dark chocolate is early morning, making these benefits even more powerful.
So, instead of nagging, let a little more healthy bitterness melt in your mouth as we discuss the benefits of dark chocolate when eaten at the right time, how much of it is consumed daily, and much more.
Nutritional Information
Dark chocolate contains more than 90% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and traces of sugar.
Nutrients and chocolate together might look odd, but they are loyal buddies. USDA claims that 100 grams of dark chocolate contains;
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 604 calories |
| Protein | 7.87 g |
| Fat | 43.06 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46.36 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.00 g |
| Sugar | 24.23 g |
| Iron | 12.02 mg |
| Magnesium | 230.00 mg |
| Zinc | 3.34 mg |
| Caffeine | 72 – 216 mg |
The healthy story doesn’t end here. Dark chocolate also contains beneficial compounds like;
- Flavanols
- Polyphenols
- Theobromine
- Antioxidants, etc
Best Time to Eat Dark Chocolate- Morning
Eating at the right time and eating healthy make a huge difference. Research indicates that morning is the best time to eat dark chocolate, as it regulates fasting blood glucose levels.
Studies indicate that morning chocolate consumption decreased the fasting glucose level by 4.4% when compared to the control, while eating chocolate in the evening increased the levels by 4.9%.
Other factors that make morning time the best for eating dark chocolate include gently boosting energy due to the caffeine and theobromine content, enhancing alertness and mindfulness, satisfying a sweet tooth, and aiding weight loss by reducing cravings at the start of the day.
Did You Know? Eating chocolate and yogurt in the morning lowers daily cortisol levels, which in turn reduces stress-related appetite.
Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate comes with the highest percentage of solid cocoa-means with all the cocoa related benefits.
1. Is Dark Chocolate Good for Antioxidants?
Dark chocolate is THE BEST for antioxidants as it’s rich in flavonols and polyphenols, which reduce oxidative damage and related diseases. Antioxidant supplementation from this cocoa tree product reduces the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis by lowering the free radical overload.
| For Your Information! Dark chocolate contains 10x more antioxidants than apple cider tea. |
2. Is Cocoa Rich Dark Chocolate Good for Heart?
Harvard University published that consuming chocolate is linked to lowering the risk of heart diseases like atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat. Dark chocolate contains compounds like flavonols, which are known to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. It also improves the blood flow to the heart, thus reducing the risk of clots and, thus, heart attack.
3. Is Dark Chocolate Ok for Weight Loss?
Quite shocking, you can lose weight with dark chocolate, as recent studies prove. It is rich in fiber, making you feel full for longer and reducing unhealthy eating habits. Cocoa promotes weight loss by boosting the metabolism, improving gut health, and promoting satiety.
The best time to eat dark chocolate for weight loss is early in the morning as studies indicate that consuming it this time makes the person less hungry throughout the day and satisfies the sweet cravings as well. Dark chocolates contain fat-burning properties as well, thus reducing belly fat.
| Fact Check: Is Lindt dark chocolate healthy? Dark chocolate has a number of healthy benefits for the brain, heart, weight, and overall well-being. Aim for at least 70% cocoa-rich lindt dark chocolate for better cognitive functioning. |
4. Will Dark Chocolate Help You Sleep?
Experts claim that eating dark chocolate in moderation at least an hour before sleep can produce a good night’s sleep. It contains magnesium and potassium, which promote muscle relaxation and the release of serotonin and melatonin, both of which help you sleep.
Eating dark chocolate before bed enhances sleep quality, reduces stress, and promotes overall cognitive functioning due to its Vitamin B6 content. However, if you are sensitive to caffeine or take dark chocolate in large amounts before bed, say goodbye to your night’s sleep as you can end up being hyperactive and alert.
| Did You know? The worst time to eat a banana is at night as well for some individuals so be ready to postpone eating your double chocolate banana cake until morning. |
Other Possible Times to Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can be eaten at any time of the day, but avoid eating it late in the evening or at night. Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of caffeine, which is a brain stimulant, resulting in sleep issues, especially when eaten a lot. It is also best to say No to it on an empty stomach. The best time to have dark chocolate is in the morning, no doubt about that, but the other options can be;
- A midday snack
- Before workout or
- After meals
How Much Dark Chocolate Per Day Should You Eat?
Moderation is key. A daily serving of about 1-2 ounces (30-60 grams) is considered a safe amount. Eating anything higher than this can result in “over calorie intake” and thus unhealthy effects.
Conclusion
Dark chocolate, especially containing 70% or higher cocoa solids, is considered healthy for the heart, brain, gut, and even skin due to its nutrient-rich profile.
Recent studies indicate that consuming dark chocolate at the best time (morning) can result in effective weight management, stress reduction, and curbing appetite. Remember! Avoid overeating to reduce anxiety, dizziness, and palpitations.
FAQs
How Often Should You Eat Dark Chocolate?
Eating dark chocolate daily is considered safe as long as you maintain an overall consumption quantity of under 1-2 ounces.
Does Dark Chocolate Have Caffeine?
Dark chocolate contains higher levels of caffeine (70-90%), and the bitterness is directly related to this percentage.
Can Dark Chocolate Constipate You?
Constipation and dark chocolate have no directly established link, but eating it can regulate bowel movements. It is free of milk, so it doesn’t cause much change in the digestive system.
Is Dove Dark Chocolate Healthy For You?
A study published in 2023 shows that a batch of Dove dark chocolate was reported to contain heavy metals, lead, and cadmium, rendering the chocolate brand “unsafe.”
Does Dark Chocolate Have Milk?
Dark chocolate contains little to no milk. Any traces of milk can only be due to cross-contamination with milk chocolate.
How Many Calories In Dark Chocolate?
There are 155 calories in 28.4 g of dark chocolate.
