Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate - Rich Flavor and Health Benefits

The Rich Flavor and Health Benefits of Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has been cherished for its rich, indulgent flavor for centuries. And in recent years, the health benefits of dark chocolate have also come to light. With its high concentration of cacao and low sugar content, quality dark chocolate contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can positively impact health.

Lake Champlain Chocolates in Vermont has been crafting fine chocolates since 1983. And their dark chocolate offerings highlight the superior cacao they use from around the world along with their innovative blending to produce creative flavor profiles and textures.

Antioxidants in Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate

All Lake Champlain dark chocolate contains a high percentage of cacao, with some bars reaching as high as 85%. Cacao is filled with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant shown to offer significant health benefits. These antioxidants exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects in the body.

Research has uncovered that the antioxidants in cacao can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, boost cognitive function, and reduce oxidative cell damage that leads to disease. And maximizing cacao content is key to getting these protective substances.

Crafting Quality Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate

Lake Champlain uses only ethically-sourced cacao beans to produce their chocolate. And beyond cacao percentage, the origin and processing of the cacao impacts antioxidant content as well. Lake Champlain meticulously selects fine flavor beans from Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic among other regions to blend into their dark chocolate.

The choicest cacao beans are roasted, cracked, and winnowed before grinding into liquor. Sugar and additional cocoa butter is added sparingly to preserve the nuanced flavors of this high-quality cacao liquor while keeping sugar content low. This delicate process crafts an intensely flavored dark chocolate perfect for aficionados.

Unique Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate Offerings

Lake Champlain produces an array of delectable dark chocolates sure to please any chocolate lover. Their famous Five Star Dark boasts a smooth, velvety texture withhints of cherry and wine. The Espresso Dark infuses rich coffee flavor into 70% dark chocolate for an invigorating treat. Or try the scrumptious Cherry Wine Dark mixing tart cherry with Chadonnay wine perfectly complementing the bitterness of extra dark chocolate.

Adventurous chocolate connoisseurs will love the Spicy Maya Dark enveloping overlaps of chili pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove in creamy dark chocolate. The Raspberry Rose Dark hides a surprise sweet and tangy raspberry ganache within its pink-hued 70% cacao exterior. And those who enjoy texture contrasts will delight in the Crunchy Baltic Dark's crisp honey almond pieces embedded in opulent Ecuadorian dark chocolate.

The Health Benefits of Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate

All Lake Champlain dark chocolate provides the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory power of cacao. But some of their selections contain extra functional ingredients for added health perks. These special additions work synergistically with cacao to further enhance the nutritional profile of these delicious gourmet chocolates.

Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Lake Champlain's Cherry Wine Dark chocolate contains flavanol-rich cacao as well as polyphenol antioxidants from cherry and red wine. Studies have shown polyphenols can increase nitric oxide production which relaxes blood vessels for better circulation. This effect helps reduce blood pressure and enhances overall cardiovascular function.

The Bold + Strong Dark includes stronga, an extract from the kola nut. With glycosides shown to improve blood flow and oxygen utilization, this special ingredient amplifies the heart health benefits of the 73% extra dark chocolate base.

Brain Function

The Espresso Dark chocolate provides caffeine along with cacao flavanols which work together to boost focus, concentration, and alertness. The natural caffeine enhances energy levels while the cocoa flavanols increase blood flow and neurotransmitter production in the brain.

Likewise, Lake Champlain's ChocoAmore with lion’s mane mushroom contains hericenones and erinacines. These nerve growth factors can encourage neuron regrowth leading to better memory and cognitive abilities. When paired with mood-enhancing dark chocolate, it makes for an exceptional mind-boosting treat.

Antioxidant Protection

Lake Champlain's Raspberry Rose Dark offers the free radical fighting power of cacao augmented by the phenolic compounds in raspberries. As one of the best antioxidant fruits, raspberries contain ellagic acid, quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid protecting cells from oxidative damage.

The goji berry pieces in Goji Dark also add to the antioxidant bounty with carotenoids, polysaccharides, and vitamin C to fortify the body against the effects of aging and illness. Bolstering your antioxidant intake daily can help prevent many chronic diseases.

How to Enjoy Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate

Lake Champlain dark chocolate makes for a decadent high-cacao treat perfect on its own. A small piece can satisfy a chocolate craving while supplying beneficial plant nutrients. Letting the chocolate slowly melt in your mouth allows its complex flavors to shine.

Their unique spiced, fruited, nutty, and herbaced dark chocolate creations also make for perfect dessert toppings. Grate or shave over cakes, pies, ice cream, or fresh fruit for an indulgent embellishment. Bake their dark chocolate pieces into cookies, brownies, or sweet breads for an extra antioxidant boost.

Pairing Lake Champlain dark chocolate with red wine makes for a heavenly combo. Try the Espresso Dark with a bold cabernet or the Spicy Maya Dark with a peppery zinfandel. And infusing their dark chocolate into milk or coffee can quickly elevate an everyday drink into a sublime, yet still healthy pleasure.

However you choose to partake, treat yourself to antioxidant-rich Lake Champlain dark chocolate for a little daily delight that’s also good for you!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.