MUFA #5:  Dark chocolate is healthy chocolate.

You probably don’t need any excuses to eat dark chocolate but just in case, here are a few.

Dark chocolate is good for your heart.

Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots.

Dark chocolate is good for your brain.

Chocolate contains a chemical that encourages your brain to release endorphins so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happy. (Sure makes me feel happy, guess it works.)

Dark chocolate helps control blood sugar.

Dark chocolate has a low glycemic index so it won’t cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants.

Eating dark chocolate can protect you from many forms of cancer and slow the signs of aging.

Dark chocolate contains theobromine.

Theobromine has been shown to harden tooth enamel.

Dark Chocolate is high in vitamins and minerals.

Dark chocolate contains potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron in high concentrations. Copper and potassium help prevent strokes. Magnesium helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.


If you need more excuses to eat dark chocolate, you must not like dark chocolate.



Dark chocolate is my MUFA once every day. It is my treat and usually my fourth meal of the day. It is high in calories like most MUFA’s. I usually eat a slice of my whole wheat bread and some fruit with the dark chocolate as my MUFA. The higher percentages of cacao will increase the benefits.  I won't buy dark chocolate with less than 72% cacao.  The higher the percentage the more bitter the chocolate tastes.  Be prepared.



WebMD states: “Our findings indicate that milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate . . . and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate.”