Did you know that chocolate is the only ingredient that is its very own food group?!

Well not really—but it seems as if it should be. RIGHT?!?! I know you agree that we can make it a meal all by itself sometimes! Powerfully comforting, creamy, delicious—many people eat chocolate at least several times a week.

Which begs the question I get asked ALL the time…

Is Chocolate Good for You?

SOOOO, with Halloween just around the corner, and the holiday season upon us,  I want to answer that for you 

The answer is both yes and no.

Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat bronchitis, sexual malaise, fatigue, hangovers, anemia, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, and more. It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter—serotonin—in the brain. 

BUT eat the wrong kind and you’ll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients. Like what is in the cheap halloween candy! YIKES! Don’t worry, I have a great recipe for you below!

How to Eat it Responsibly

Chocolate begins life as raw cacao (pronounced kah-kow) beans. Loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and plant phenols, cacao is a powerful superfood. The more processed cacao becomes, however—think commercially produced candy bars—the fewer healthy components remain.

So how do you get the most out of your chocolate fix?

• Don’t be afraid of the dark. The darker the chocolate, the more beneficial cacao it contains.
• Know your percentages: the number on dark chocolate packaging refers to the percentage of cacao bean in chocolate. For maximum health benefit, look for dark chocolate that has 75% or more pure cacao.
• Go raw—or as unprocessed as possible.

Here is that FANTABULOUS recipe I promised you! You’ll love this dark chocolate treat. Invite some friends over and make a batch!