Low Carb Chocolate
Low carb chocolate? Not a contradiction in terms but a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by many. Whether your diet demands sugar free foods, gluten free, vegan, or you are a dieter interested in lowering your daily intake of carbohydrates and/or calories, there is a chocolate variety for you suitable to your needs as well as your palate.
Nowadays health benefits of chocolate are becoming well known. It is high in magnesium and potassium. Chocolate also contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. And if we mention the calorie content, we never claim that chocolate is a kind of diet food.
But then, in a bar of chocolate, the average calorie is approximately 250 calories which far enough for a person on diet to suppress cravings. Aside from extra calories, it is best to not consume milk with chocolate as studies show that it lessens the effectiveness of chocolate's antioxidants as they are being absorbed or consumed by the body. So the plain dark chocolate consumed with nuts and fruits (if sugar content is not too much of an issue) would be preferable. There are lower carb versions of some favorite fillings such as caramel or nougat and non-dairy, or vegan versions are available.
Chocolate is a food that most people say is irresistibly sweet and delicious. Well, a huge part of chocolate aroma depends on its taste as rich and delicious chocolate satisfies our desire and craving. But beyond that feeling, we don't know that chemical reactions are also working for the benefit of creating a good and satisfying taste. For example, we can feel a feeling of satisfaction and pleasurable sensation like the feeling of being satisfied after a long run or jogging in the field for several minutes. Chocolate contains compounds including Theobromine and Phenyethylamine that stimulate and that can raise seratonin levels.
When the craving for chocolate strikes, be sure to have some low sugar or sugar free chocolate available. These chocolates generally will use sugar alcohols as sweeteners, usually Maltitol. It is derived from corn although wheat is sometimes used. While if you are diabetic you must check with your doctor or other health care practitioner to be certain it is safe for you, as a general rule, the sugar alcohol has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels. However be forewarned that sugar alcohols including Malitol have a laxative effect on the body, thus you want to be careful not to overeat the low carb varieties of chocolate for this reason.
It is also important to remember that as a low carb or even sugar free food this chocolate is not necessarily low calorie.
With its fat content, it is a relatively high calorie food. If you are after health benefits you may benefit from as little as 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces of pure dark chocolate. You should balance those calories you get from the chocolate by eating a little less of other foods. It might be best to cut out on other sweets or extra snacks and replace them instead with some chocolate that will balance out your total calorie intake for the day.
When possible go for the dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 65 percent or higher; if calories are not too much of a concern, then certainly mixed with nuts is ideal and flavorful; fruit only if sugar content does not exceed your needs or requirements. Similarly avoiding milk chocolate, even if low carb will save a few grams of carbohydrates, as the milk will have lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk products. Plus, as noted, studies show milk to have a negative impact on your body's ability to absorb and use chocolate's valuable antioxidants.
You will find a wide assortment of products available on the Internet. You can go comparison shopping for sugar free chocolate or find out more about the health benefits of chocolate. You can find products that do not contain Maltitol, as well as those which are vegan or gluten free, depending on your dietary needs. Specialty varieties such as Belgian chocolate are also available without sugar. Your low carb chocolate search can lead to success.
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