Health Benefits of Boxed Dark Chocolates and Tips for Choosing Quality

The Health Benefits of Boxed Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate has been rising in popularity in recent years as more research emerges about its potential health benefits. As a rich source of antioxidants, minerals like iron and magnesium, and fiber, quality dark chocolate can be enjoyed guilt-free as part of a balanced diet.

For chocolate lovers, boxed assortments of gourmet dark chocolate bars make for a delicious and healthy treat. They provide variety, introduce you to new cacao growing regions and flavors, and encourage mindful savoring rather than mindless snacking.

Antioxidant Powerhouse

The cocoa bean is rich in beneficial plant compounds called flavanols that have strong antioxidant properties. These act as anti-inflammatories and help protect cells against damage. Consuming dark chocolate and cocoa flavanols on a regular basis may benefit cardiovascular health, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to flavanols, dark chocolate contains iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and potassium as well as B vitamins. Just a small amount can provide a significant mineral boost to help meet your daily recommended intake. The cocoa butter in dark chocolate also contains oleic acid, a heart healthy monounsaturated fat that may raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

Mental Health Help

The feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin are often released when you eat chocolate. This mood-boosting effect may reduce feelings of depression. The bioactive compounds may also help improve cognitive function and memory. One study found the flavanols in cocoa helped healthy volunteers enhance their dentate gyrus function, linked to learning processes and memory.

How to Choose Quality Boxed Chocolates

With so many options lining store shelves, how do you recognize and select a good quality boxed dark chocolate? Start by checking labels for important details:

High Cacao Percentage

The cacao or cocoa percentage indicates the amount of nonfat cacao bean content. A 60-85% dark chocolate contains more beneficial cocoa flavanols and less sugar than chocolate with a lower percentage. However, even small daily amounts of chocolate with at least a 70% cacao content can provide cardiovascular benefits.

Ingredient Type and Quality

Scan for red flags like excessive soy lecithin or unhealthy fats and oils like palm kernel or coconut oil in the ingredients list. Look for ethical ingredients like organic sugar and cocoa butter from single origin cacao beans. This indicates a higher quality chocolate focused on flavor rather than filler ingredients.

Certifications

Credible third-party certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or USDA Organic signify sustainable, ethical business practices in the cacao supply chain. Bean-to-bar chocolate makers that control sourcing and production from farm to factory also help support cacao farmers.

Healthy Boxed Dark Chocolates to Try

Once you know what to look for in high quality dark chocolate, explore these dietitian-approved options:

Hu Organic Simple Dark Chocolate Bars

With organic ingredients and 88% cacao, these ethically sourced dark chocolate bars are free from cane sugar. Sweetened with coconut nectar, they have a smooth, rich taste and crispy texture.

Equal Exchange Organic Fine Chocolate Bars

Sustainably grown and traded by small-scale farmer cooperatives, these single origin 70% dark chocolate bars showcase unique flavors from Panama, Ecuador, and Peru.

Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Bars

This climate-neutral chocolate company uses clean ingredients like coconut sugar and cacao butter in their 80% Dark Blackout chocolate bars. The rich taste highlights floral and nutty cacao notes.

Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate Bars

With a robust 77% cacao content, these Fairtrade certified dark chocolate bars contain ethically sourced cocoa beans from Congo and Peru that create distinct fruity, nutty flavors.

Green & Black's Organic Dark Chocolate Bars

The ethically sourced cocoa in these USDA certified organic bars crafted by a UK chocolate maker creates a smooth, velvety texture and multi-layered cherry and spice taste.

Savoring Boxed Chocolates for Wellness

Instead of carelessly noshing your way through a box of chocolates, take a mindful approach to truly savor the flavors and textures. Here’s how:

Slow Down

Allow each piece to slowly melt, noting flavors and aromas. Avoid distractions to focus your senses more intensely. This heightens enjoyment and satisfaction from just one or two squares.

Pair Carefully

Thoughtfully match chocolate flavors and textures with ingredients like nuts, fruit, tea, coffee, or red wine that complement or contrast for a flavor experience.

Make it Special

Rather than daily indulgence, reserve chocolate as a intentional treat for occasions like after dinner, celebrations with loved ones, or quiet moments of self-care.

Savoring thoughtfully sourced boxed dark chocolates is a holistic experience engaging all your senses that can be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed mindfully. The rich flavors and research-backed benefits make moderate amounts of high quality dark chocolate a smart choice for wellness.

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.