Chocolate is one of the favourite sweet products in the world, consumed by billions of people across the planet. But everybody's favourite treat is often under fire from dietitians due to its high levels of sugar and fat. Thankfully, not every chocolate is made equal! Research shows that, when consumed in moderation, dark chocolate offers several benefits to human health.

High-quality dark chocolate made with at least 70% cacao is a great source of fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and minerals. So it doesn't only work as a lovely treat, but it can play an important role in a healthy diet. Just keep this in mind: the darker the chocolate, the better! That's because compounds responsible for the health effects are concentrated in the cacao solids - the darker parts of the chocolate.

It's well known that chocolate is a great stimulant. That's due to its natural caffeine and theobromine - and dark chocolate is even better for that. Scientists believe this might be the reason why chocolate can also help maintain cognitive function, as well as improve attention and memory. But don't worry: it's nowhere as strong as coffee, so having a few grams for dessert after dinner won't keep you awake at night!

Dark chocolate is also packed with natural antioxidants. These include catechins (which help prevent cell damage), polyphenols (which can help lower bad cholesterol when combined with certain foods) and flavanols (which can help reduce blood pressure). And there's more: there are indications that these flavanols in dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, another common risk factor for diseases like heart disease and diabetes. (note: dark chocolate still contains some sugar, so this doesn't mean it can be widely consumed by people with diabetes - always talk to your doctor or nutritionist to ensure your diet fits your personal needs!)

It's important to know that the amount of flavanols in chocolate depends on the manufacturing process. The less ultra-processed the cacao beans, the higher the final amount of flavanols in the product. On the same note, organic cacao beans from ethically-sourced farms are grown under strict standards and are not exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

Therefore, chocolates made with high-quality ingredients and minimal processing are naturally better for you than highly manufacturing ones. Just one more reason to look for ethically-made chocolate bars as your healthy treat!

Of course, the amount of natural fat in dark chocolate is still higher than in other products - but the secret is moderation. That's because the fats in dark chocolate consist mostly of oleic acid (also found in olive oil, so good for your heart), stearic acid (which provides a neutral effect on body cholesterol) and palmitic acid (only present in very small amounts). So, when consumed in small amounts, dark chocolate can actually help lower the risks of heart disease.

The research on the health benefits of dark chocolate is still ongoing, but there is already strong evidence that cacao is good for humans. Of course, it doesn't mean you should indulge in loads of chocolate every day - as with any other food, the key is moderation. Overall, an adult can consume around 30 grams of dark chocolate daily as a healthy treat (the exact amount for each person depends on a variety of factors - always consult your doctor if in doubt). Just make sure you choose fair trade and organic chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa percentage and without unnecessary ingredients such as artificial flavourings.

Check out Eonce's vegan dark chocolate collection or shop them individually!