Sweet Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

CLEVELAND – If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready to celebrate.

This Saturday is National Chocolate Day.

Did you know there’s one type of chocolate that actually offers some health benefits?

“Dark chocolates have high levels of flavonoids, which is a plant-based chemical that has anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties,” said Beth Czerwony, RD, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic. ”So when we’re looking at those types of properties, it directly relates to cardiovascular health — decreasing blood pressure, decreasing stroke risk, and decreasing overall heart disease.”

Czerwony said it’s important to make sure you’re buying the right kind of chocolate if you want those health benefits.

So next time you go to the store, keep an eye out for dark chocolate that has 70 or 85% cocoa.

When it comes to flavor, Czerwony said 70% isn’t going to be as bitter.

She also recommends avoiding anything with a lot of chemicals. The less ingredients, the better.

Another added perk, dark chocolate with 85% cocoa has been shown to have mood boosting effects.

Now the big question, how much should you eat?

“A recent study that came out in 2017 said that one ounce three times a week, and really no more than that, is where you’re going to get your health benefits,” she said. “So too much of a good thing can really be too much of a good thing.”

For those wondering about white chocolate, Czerwony said that’s not really even chocolate at all.

It’s more of a wax and tends to have the most sugar and fat.