Have you ever eaten vegan chocolate and wondered if it's good for you? Well, let us tell you: yes! Vegan chocolate tastes fantastic, has the same health benefits as regular chocolate, and is even better for your body. Here's what you need to know about vegan chocolates.
What is vegan chocolate?
A simple definition of vegan chocolate is: chocolate produced without the use of animal products (e.g. milk). It may seem like a small distinction, but it makes all the difference for vegans. In most cases, high-quality dark chocolate does not even contain milk, since it is not needed for its production.
How does this differ from non-vegan chocolates?
Non-vegan versions almost always have some dairy products embedded into them—either because they're made with straight-up cow's milk or because they use butterfat instead of cocoa butter (which contains less fat than cocoa).
What are the health benefits of vegan chocolate?
The benefits of vegan chocolate are many! Everyone knows that chocolate is delicious, but there's more to it than the taste. People who eat vegan chocolate regularly can experience a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of vegan chocolate:
Rich in Nutrients
Cacao powder, which unlike cocoa powder is prepared by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, is the main ingredient in raw chocolate. These beans retain the majority of their nutrients because they are not heated during processing. Given how nutrient-dense cacao is, it comes as no surprise that raw chocolate is beneficial. In particular, it has elements that increase energy and elevate mood, including vitamins like:
- vitamin C,
- iron,
- calcium,
- magnesium,
- copper, and potassium,
- proteins, and fiber.
Antioxidants, which are often found in fruits, veggies, wheat, and nuts, are also present in it. Even more antioxidants are present in vegan chocolate than are present in berries. It has anti-aging qualities as a result.
Chocolate is the new superfood.
That's right: we said it. Plant-based chocolate is not only delicious but healthy, too! The best part is that you don't have to sacrifice taste to reap the benefits of cocoa consumption. Buying fair trade chocolate ensures that the number of pesticides and chemicals in your chocolate is significantly less than in other chocolates.
The health benefits of vegan chocolate are numerous.
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First, it improves your heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels in your body.
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Consumers who consume moderate dark chocolate daily can enjoy a better cardiovascular system.
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Dark chocolate also reduces the risk of stroke and diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin secretion.
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Lastly, dark chocolates also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.
Chocolate doesn't cause acne.
Chocolate has gotten a bad rap in recent years, with many people believing that it's responsible for giving them acne. The truth is that chocolate does not cause acne. Eating dark chocolate can have some health benefits. While the sugar and dairy in milk chocolate can negatively affect the skin, cacao contains antioxidants and minerals that are good for the skin, like selenium, magnesium, and zinc.
Raw cacao is also rich in flavonoids and other healthy chemicals that can help protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease. Eating dark chocolate with high cocoa content can be good for your health as well as good for your skin.
Dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium.
One of the most critical nutrients in dark chocolate is magnesium, which is an essential mineral that works to benefit the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Heart disease is less likely to occur in those who consume magnesium-rich foods because it can help to lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels.
Magnesium also helps the body produce energy from carbohydrates, protein, and fat by converting these nutrients into energy. A high magnesium intake has decreased the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. One reason for this is that magnesium calms the nervous system, reducing feelings of uneasiness and tension. Magnesium also assists in adequately functioning muscles, including those in your heart and blood vessels.
Vegan chocolates can help you lose weight.
One of the biggest criticisms of vegan chocolate is that it is weight-gain chocolate. But in reality, there are so many health benefits to vegan chocolate that anyone is thinking about going vegan, or even just considering a healthier diet, should consider adding some to their diet. Some people may think that they would gain weight if they were to add vegan chocolate to their diet.
However, one of the most important reasons people choose to go vegan is because they want a healthier lifestyle, which means no more gaining weight! And while most people think of sugar as the main culprit of weight gain, you may be surprised to find out it's not sugar. You'd be amazed at how much fat is in your favorite chocolates! By switching to vegan chocolate, you can cut down on fat and calories without having to give up any taste or texture. This means less fat will be stored in the body, and more will be burned off.
In addition to keeping your body healthy and slim, switching to vegan chocolates can also improve your overall health.
Vegan Chocolate boosts brain function.
The brain is the most consuming part of the body, using a large amount of energy, so it's no wonder that research has found that chocolate can boost brain function. Theobromine, a chemical in cocoa, is responsible for this phenomenon. Because chocolate has a stimulant effect, it's been found to increase blood flow to the brain and improve memory. Studies have suggested that the theobromine in chocolate may also help prevent stroke and degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
It's undoubtedly good news for those who are already fans of vegan chocolate—that's because many types of vegan chocolates are lower in fat than regular chocolates, which means they're also better for your heart. But even if you're not usually a fan of vegan chocolate, eating mindfully and in moderation can help you break your habit of overeating and eating unhealthy foods.
How much vegan chocolate should you eat?
It's a question that many people ask themselves. The answer is, of course: as much as you want! But there are some general guidelines to follow if you're looking for more specific advice.
If you're eating healthily and getting all the nutrients your body needs from other sources (which should be the case if you're eating well), then there's no need to worry about how much vegan chocolate you're consuming. However, if your diet isn't balanced or healthy at all—or if it's just not giving your body the right amount of nutrients—it might be time to cut back on the delicious treats that are tempting us all. Remember: moderation is essential when it comes to anything sweet.
Where can I find the best vegan chocolate?
Chocolate is a great food, but you must be selective about which brands are the best. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there that can fit your dietary needs. If you're looking for the best vegan chocolate, it's time to look into Sweet Vegan.
Sweet Vegan is known for its handcrafted chocolates that come in various flavors. You can order them online and have them shipped to you or get them at one of the shops in your area. Our ingredients are all-natural, and we do not use animal products in our chocolates (such as milk or eggs). We also do not use any artificial flavors or preservatives.
It's easy to see why we at Sweet Vegan has been so successful in a short time. Our chocolate is made with natural ingredients and then refined using fair-trade practices. We also have one of the best customer service teams: responsive, proactive, and friendly.
If you call with a question or concern, we don't leave you on hold or wait days before getting back to you—we're as quick to respond as we are to ship orders out the door.
Takeaway: Vegan chocolate can be a good part of your diet.
Vegan chocolate is excellent for you. It's a good alternative to regular chocolate and can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and decrease your risk of heart disease.
If you're looking for a way to include more healthy foods in your diet or want to indulge in something sweet from time to time, then vegan chocolate is the perfect choice for you.
Conclusion
Well, as you have seen, there are several reasons that vegan chocolate is good for you. Hopefully, this article has cleared up any confusion about what makes vegan chocolate good for you. Vegans finally have a healthy option when it comes to dessert.
However, it can be challenging to find a handful of companies providing quality vegan chocolate. But Sweet Vegan's ingredients are so pure that no one will have any doubt about the goodness of their bars. Whether you're choosing vegan chocolate for health or ethical reasons, you can't go wrong with this tasty treat.
If you're ready to try vegan chocolate, contact Sweet Vegan at info@sweetvegan.nyc or 917-334-3636, and we'll point you in the right direction.