Almost all of you (95%) reported enjoying chocolate. With the majority (47%) preferring dark chocolates. The table below outlines the major differences between white, milk, and dark chocolates.
| Product | Cocoa Liquor | Milk Solids |
| White Chocolate | 20% (butter only) | >14% |
| Milk Chocolate | >10% | >30% |
| Sweet Chocolate | >15% | <12% |
| Dark Chocolate | >35% | <12% |
| Baking Chocolate | 85%< 99% |
|
Cocoa liquor is made from the ground cacao bean. Cocoa liquor is composed of cocoa butter (fat) and cocoa solids/powder. The more cocoa powder in a chocolate product, the stronger chocolate flavor it has and the more bitter it tastes.
Many chocolates are high in a combination of saturated and unsaturated fats but do not appear to increase blood cholesterol levels. Dark chocolate is more beneficial than other chocolates because it is higher in cocoa solids which contain alkaloids and flavonoids. Alkaloids found in chocolate can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Increased serotonin levels can elevate mood. Flavonoids are responsible for the bitter flavor of darker chocolates. Flavonoids are antioxidants. Eating dark chocolate can maintain heart health and health of blood vessels. While dark chocolates do have some health benefits they should still be eaten in moderation and can be high in calories.
No comments:
Post a Comment