Chocolate cravings always follow you closely, even when you're attempting to lose weight, following you until you finally succumb and derail your progress by eating calories loaded with sugar. With its evocative bitterness signaling a deceptive, guilt-free indulgence, dark chocolate gained popularity as a healthier buffer. But should you consider it as a license to indulge your sweet tooth too much? Even though it might be a better option, anything in excess is bad for you, so where do you draw the line?

"Dark chocolate, especially with 70% cocoa content or more, is rich in antioxidants named flavonoids," she said as she explained to the uninitiated about dark chocolate and why it's often favored above other varieties. Antioxidants have been shown to boost mood, lower inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health. The health of the chocolate depends on how much cocoa it contains. Compared to milk or white chocolate, cocoa has less sugar, making it a better option for those who are concerned about their weight.

It would be a mistake to assume that you can indulge all your sweet tooth cravings with dark chocolate just because it contains antioxidants.

If you eat a lot of dark chocolate, dietitian Simrat advised keeping the following four things in mind:

1. Avoid the ‘add-ons’

• Even though dark chocolate is good to have, it depends on what goes into it- caramel filling, nougat, and sugary nuts, all of which could raise a great deal of calories in your chocolate bar.
• Go for plainer dark chocolate, or those with healthy add-ons like almonds, chia seeds, or puffed quinoa.

2. Portion control is key

• Whatever the healthiest chocolate may be, it needs to be eaten in moderation.
• A small bite of the cocoa-rich chocolate, about 10 to 15 grams, will satisfy the craving at the same time keeping it in check.

3. Look for natural sweeteners

• Switch to vegan or organic dark chocolates, which often have cleaner ingredients.
• Look for brands that use coconut sugar, stevia, or date syrup.

4. Check the label

• Often, chocolate named “sugar-free” on a packet can be a marketing strategy.
• Turn the packet and check the label, look for the hidden sugar. Anything that you cannot pronounce is not good for your health.

Read Also: Gastroenterologist Recommends Consuming Fiber First to Aid Weight Loss and Improve Insulin Response

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