What makes it a luxury is the complex, deep and lingering flavours it delivers. And how, when savoured fully, it can act as a sweet-palate-satisfying, nourishing full stop to a meal.
And, although marketers and less scrupulous brands at times make dubious claims (and have funded self-serving research too!), craft chocolate does have some amazing health-giving benefits - particularly when compared to UPF alternatives:
1.
The primary stimulant in craft chocolate is theobromine, a stimulant that provides a smooth, long-lasting energy boost without the jitteriness often associated with caffeine. Craft chocolate may contain some caffeine, though in much smaller amounts than theobromine. By contrast, the primary stimulant and ingredient in many ultra-processed chocolates is sugar, which can lead to rapid spikes and crashes in energy levels.
2.
Craft chocolate also contains a host of other stimulants, including phenylethylamine (PEA), quercetin, catechins, epicatechins, and more. While these stimulants may not have the aphrodisiac properties sometimes asserted by overenthusiastic marketeers, they can provide various physical and psychological benefits, including enhancing our mood.
3.
Craft chocolate is rich in fibre, contributing to digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness. A typical dark craft chocolate bar contains 5-10g of fibre, and given that most of us don’t get anything like the 25-40g of fibre we need every day, even a couple of squares can help.
4.
Craft chocolate is abundant in flavonoids (such as catechin and epicatechin), anthocyanins, polyphenols, procyanidins, quercetin and phenolic acids which help create craft chocolate’s remarkable depth, length, and complexity of flavour. These compounds also act as potent antioxidants, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, lowering heart diseases etc.
5.
Rich mineral source: Craft chocolate is an excellent source of essential minerals such magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and manganese which play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, immune health, and antioxidant activity.
6.
Craft chocolate is also good for the planet: Craft chocolate is all about protecting, preserving and regenerating the rainforest while also providing indigenous peoples with a reliable, long term income and future. This is in contrast to ultra processed chocolate, where the commoditization of cacao has led to deforestation, the impoverishment of farmers and extensive use of child / child slave labour…suddenly makes those purple bars feel far less palatable…
With thanks to Spencer Hyman, founder of Cocoa Runners for sharing his deep knowledge with our community. To explore Cocoa Runner’s world-class range of craft chocolates CLICK HERE.
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