Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate-Which is Healthier?

Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate-Which is Healthier?

Chocolate makes a great dessert, and it makes a great snack.  It’s creamy, smooth, and melts in your mouth, leaving behind a satisfying taste.  There are generally two types of chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate.  Some prefer milk chocolate, but some like dark chocolate.  However, have you ever wondered which is healthier?

Chocolate is made of roasted and grounded cacao beans.  It can contain anything from milk, sugar, and cocoa, to cream milk butter.  Dark chocolate contains the least amount of added ingredients, while milk chocolate has the least amount of cocoa liquor.  Dark chocolate is not only lower in fat, but is also more pure (also why it tends to be darker than milk chocolate).

Health Benefits

Dark chocolate is more natural, and has several health benefits (if eaten in moderation).  Dark chocolate is shown to have a supplement in antioxidants.  Antioxidants are known to help with getting rid of toxins in the body.  It also may help by lowering blood pressure and control glucose metabolism.  On the other hand, milk chocolate is more refined.  Milk chocolate will have a smoother, creamier, and sweeter texture than dark chocolate.  Milk chocolate is also usually made with 30% cocoa, and condensed milk.  These ingredients are used to make the chocolate creamier or sweeter.

Which is Healthier?

In all, dark chocolate is healthier, due to the health benefits paired with it.  It can include antioxidants, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.  It also could reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve brain function.  Ideally, dark chocolate should be at least 70% for more health benefits.  Milk chocolate has plenty of calcium, but is also high in calories and sugar, which can lead to weight gain or increase the risk of chronic diseases.

So, next time you eat chocolate, try eating dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.