Chocolate

• Chocolate FAQs

Chocolate FAQs

Find out more about the effects (both positive and negative) of chocolate on your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions about chocolate and your health.

Q: What's in chocolate?

A: Chocolate is a mixture of cocoa butter, cocoa paste, and sugar. The paste and butter come from the nibs (in pods) of the cacao tree, which grows naturally in Central and South America. Chocolate is made by taking the cacao seeds, fermenting them, roasting them, then grinding them into a paste. Other ingredients are added, such as sugar. Chocolate liquor is the result of the ground beans - a non alcoholic substance - and is the primary ingredient in all chocolate and cocoa products.

Q: What is milk chocolate?

A: Milk chocolate is made by adding whole fresh milk to the chocolate liquor.

Q: What is dark chocolate?

A: Dark chocolate is made with a minimum of 43% cocoa content. Dark chocolate does not necessarily mean it is dairy free - some manufactures may add milk or other dairy products to their dark chocolate.

Q: What is white chocolate?

A: White chocolate is a mix of cocoa butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla (or vanilla flavoring). Some people don't consider white chocolate to be true chocolate since it does not contain any cocoa.

Q: What are the nutritional ingredients in chocolate.

A: Chocolate contains many things - carbohydrates (sugars and starch), fats, (cocoa butter), potassium, protein, and magnesium. Calcium, sodium, iron, vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and E, as well as caffeine, are also present in chocolate.

Q: What triggers chocolate cravings?

A: Many of the ingredients in chocolate affect the body in ways similar to medications. Caffeine and the high caloric value provide an energy boost. It can also act as a stimulant, antidepressant, or aphordisiac!

Q: Is chocolate bad for you?

No, if eaten in moderation. Chocolate is high in fat, so should be eaten in small amounts. Dark chocolate can lower blood pressure. It is also contains antioxidants, which clear up free radicals - molecules that play a factor in heart disease and other ailments. But beware - eating dark chocolate with milk, or milk chocolate, negates the positive effect of chocolate!

Q: What are the healthier chocolate brands to eat?

A: Look for a chocolate bar that is high in cocoa content, made from natural ingredients without a lot of additives such as saturated vegetable fat or powdered milk, and lower percentages of sugar. They may cost more but the health benefits, and flavour, make it worthwhile.

Q: What are phenolics?

A: Phenolics, also known as flavonoids, are antioxidants found in chocolate. They are the same as those found in red wine. Consuming them can slow heart disease - the phenolics prevent fat-like substances in the blood from forming plaque that blocks arteries.