Do you remember our Gastronomic Events calendar? February 1st is celebrated as Dark Chocolate Day, a type of chocolate that, to be considered as such, must contain more than 35% cocoa. Moreover, the higher this percentage is, the purer our chocolate will be. Therefore, it is one of the healthiest sweets we can find. Pure cocoa has a multitude of properties and benefits. If you want to celebrate Dark Chocolate Day, stay to learn more about it and get to know this food better.
Let’s start at the beginning, what is Pure Chocolate?
Dark chocolate, also known as bitter or pure chocolate, is that which contains more than 35% cocoa, as required by European standards. From this percentage, which represents the soft dark chocolates, we can find a wide range, such as those with a cocoa percentage of 70% or higher, considered intense.
Another characteristic of this chocolate is its low sugar content. Thanks to this, and to its high percentage of natural cocoa, dark chocolate is considered one of the healthiest. Its base ingredient, cocoa, has a multitude of properties and benefits for our organism.
Celebrate Dark Chocolate Day, every February 1
With this versatile ingredient, it’s easy to celebrate Dark Chocolate Day. Try including it in your favorite baking recipes. Or, prepare it in a great drink, making a potent hot chocolate. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to get it right. Because dark chocolate is a great pleasure, and with very little sugar!
Or celebrate this day by trying any of the multitude of dark chocolate bars you can find. Did you know that there are hundreds and hundreds of combinations? From the most classic ones with fruits or nuts, to more modern combinations of chocolate with salt or spicy. Which one do you choose?
And although we have done a lot of research on the origin and the reason for this celebration, we have not been able to find its creator or the reason for it. But what we do know is that it is a great date to treat yourself to an ounce of dark chocolate.
Types and Varieties of Tablets, perfect for celebrating Dark Chocolate Day
There are many varieties of dark chocolate. Starting with the percentage, we find softer chocolates, around 52%, to more intense chocolates that exceed 70% cocoa. Dark chocolate is considered healthy when it exceeds 85% cocoa.
There are also other varieties in which different ingredients are added. As with other chocolates, we can find dark or pure chocolate with nuts, with fruity aromas (such as orange or red fruits), with salt and even with spicy flavors.
Benefits and Properties of dark chocolate
Dark chocolate, being purer, has the same benefits as cocoa. It is the healthiest way to treat yourself. Many experts even recommend eating one to two ounces of dark chocolate a day. As long as its percentage of cocoa is 70% or higher.
Let’s see all the benefits that this superfood brings us.
Although we consider it a whim that we have to control due to its high caloric content, a moderate consumption brings us a multitude of properties and benefits. Let’s get to know them:
1It is an important source of energy. Dark chocolate has fewer calories and sugars. In addition, its calories take longer to digest, which helps to activate our metabolism as long as we consume it in moderation. At the same time it combats the symptoms of fatigue, being an important source of energy.
2It is rich in antioxidants; such as polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins… Among others. These antioxidants help improve our cardiovascular health. And how do they improve our cardiovascular health? Because another of its components is stearic acid, which the liver converts into oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat very healthy for our body.
In addition, it also prevents premature aging of the skin, and reduces cholesterol levels and symptoms of hypertension.
3A moderate consumption of dark chocolate helps reduce blood pressure. This is because it produces nitric oxide, which helps to relax the arteries and improve blood circulation.
4It regulates intestinal transit, thanks to its high fiber content. In addition, fiber also gives us a feeling of satiety, which helps us to avoid snacking between meals.
Did you know that pure chocolate is one of the most consumed products worldwide?
5We could say that this food fills us with happiness. There are even those who consider it an antidepressant. This is because it contains tryptophan, essential for our brain to produce serotonin, better known as the hormone of happiness. It also helps to release endorphins, which gives us a feeling of tranquility and happiness. In addition, it contains phenylethylamine, the same substance that the brain secretes when we are in love.
6Dark chocolate is good for tooth enamel, contrary to what everyone might think. It helps prevent tooth decay and hardens it at the same time.
7And finally, this superfood is also a great ally of memory. Some studies link the consumption of dark chocolate with increased cognitive performance. In older people, it helps to reduce or even prevent memory loss. This is because it stimulates blood flow to the brain, thanks to theobromine, a natural stimulant with therapeutic effects.
As you can see, there are many benefits of including this food in our diet on a regular basis. But remember that all these benefits are of dark or pure chocolate (above 80%), as long as it is consumed in moderation. And that does not carry, or is very reduced, sugar. All this combined with a varied and balanced diet, and physical exercise within our means. So now you have no excuse not to celebrate the Day of Dark Chocolate or Pure Chocolate.
Some curiosities about Dark Chocolate
Eating chocolate does make us happy. According to different studies, it makes our body release endorphins, the hormone of happiness.
Despite being such a healthy food for us, animals do not tolerate it. So be careful with leaving it near your pets, because it is similar to poison for them.
It was not until the 19th century that chocolate began to be made in solid form. Until then, it was only used in beverages.
And you, do you like pure chocolate? If you found it interesting, remember to leave us your comments, ideas, opinions… We love to read them! You can also follow us on social networks to keep up to date with all our publications. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
