Sweet, Sweet Chocolate

If you’re a chocolate lover, then today is your lucky day – it’s National Chocolate Day! A popular sweet treat, chocolate can be used in foods in so many ways – from candy bars to ice cream to cupcakes; the possibilities are endless.

Do you know where chocolate comes from? Chocolate is made from the cacao bean grown on tropical trees. After some processing, you get the many different products you see on the supermarket shelves such as cacao nibs, cacao powder, or solid chocolate. With so many varieties out there, you’re bound to find a favorite.

Surprisingly Sweet Health Benefits

You may be surprised to learn that chocolate can actually provide you with some health benefits! Chocolate comes from the cacao bean, which means the sweet treat that you eat will provide the benefits of the cacao bean.

Cacao beans are rich in antioxidants,which help to protect your body’s cells against damage by removing harmful substances that could pose a threat – i.e. lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and reduce platelet aggregation that leads to blood clots.In other words, they keep your body happy and healthy.

The specific antioxidant in chocolate is flavanol. The amount of flavanols chocolate contains varies depending on the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate is the highest in these compounds, whereas milk chocolate and white chocolate contain lower amounts. Basically, the more bitter the chocolate is, the more cocoa it contains and the more flavanols it will provide.

Look for chocolate that contains 70% cocoa or higher.

6 Perfect Chocolate Snacks

Now that you know more about the benefits of this sweet treat, check out my list below for some fun ways to include chocolate as your snack.

1. Banana Chocolate Ice Cream Pop– check out my fun recipe for a delicious treat.

2. Add dark chocolate chips to your homemade trail mix for a sweet mix.

3. Mix dark chocolate chips with Greek yogurt and nuts for a easy treat.

4. Make your own dark chocolate covered almonds by melting chocolate in a double boiler and then dipping almonds in the chocolate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay almonds on top. Place in fridge until hardened!

5. Dip apples or pears in a mix of peanut butter and dark chocolate for another fun treat. Add “googly eyes” to make them a great treat for Halloween as well.

6. Enjoy pieces of dark chocolate on its own for an quick snack.

The next time you’re looking for a snack or perfect addition to a baking project, maybe you’ll be tempted to reach for a piece of dark chocolate!

Your Turn to Take Action: What’s your favorite dark chocolate and how do you like to eat it?