What is Belgian dark chocolate?
Belgian dark chocolate is a chocolate whose production phases take place in Belgium, including mixing, refining, and conching. Compared to other dark chocolates, Belgian dark chocolates provides a higher cocoa content, a better flavour, and a smoother taste. The production of Belgian chocolate starts by selecting and blending high-quality cocoa beans with pure cocoa butter to create an original and unflavoured taste. Then, to trick our taste buds and avoid a granny taste when chocolate melts on our tongue, Belgian chocolate manufacturers have the chocolate milled to 18 microns. Each cocoa particle has the same size, and each chocolate is evenly fine and smooth with an even texture. Flavoured components are added to suit each individual’s taste and preference. (1)
Historically, Belgium is associated with the innovation of chocolate. It is the first country to invent machines that allow the grounding of cocoa beans to produce smooth chocolate. Another innovation was when Jean Neuhaus invented the Belgian praline in 1912, where he offered a mechanism to make a cold shell of chocolate, pralines, so that inside the chocolate can be filled with flavours of nougat and cream, such as hazelnut and coffee. (2) Since then, the Belgium culture has inherited the passed-on expertise in chocolate production and continues to produce chocolates of original and traditional quality today.
What are the benefits of consuming Belgian dark chocolate?
Tons of benefits are associated with the consumption of Belgian dark chocolate, including but not limited to
Rich source of nutrients
Improvement of cognitive functions
A powerful source of antioxidants
Reduce heart disease rate
Protect our skin from the sun
Belgian dark chocolate is a rich source of nutrients
Belgian dark chocolate is associated with rich nutrients. It is a rich source of iron, magnesium, manganese, fibre, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and other minerals, which are crucial to the growth of our bodies. (3) Based on research, a 100-gram bar of Belgian dark chocolate with rich cocoa provides 11 grams of fibre, 66% of the DV for iron, 196% DV for copper and more. Cocoa and dark chocolate consist of fats mostly of oleic acid, a heart-healthy fat found in olive oil, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. To sum up, Belgian dark chocolate is highly nutritious, and we suggest everyone consume it in moderation.
It can help improve cognitive functions
Belgian dark chocolate consists of rich flavanols, which have effects in improving cognitive functions. (4) Consumption of flavanol is linked positively with the improvement in insulin sensitivity. Research has suggested that a regular intake of cocoa flavanols is effective in improving cognitive function in the elderly who are at risk of cognitive impairment.
It is a source of powerful source of antioxidants
Belgian dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants because it is loaded with biologically active organic compounds that function as antioxidants, some of which include flavanols, catechins, and polyphenols. Polyphenols, for example, can help lower forms of LDL cholesterol, a “bad” cholesterol that can raise our risk for heart disease and stroke. This effect is most visible when we consume Belgian dark chocolate with almonds. Moreover, researchers tested the number of antioxidants in dark chocolate and revealed that it has more than many fruits tested, including blueberries.
It could help reduce the rate of heart disease
As mentioned previously, Belgian dark chocolate consists of nutrients that can help with increased antioxidant activities. Not only does it lower blood pressure, but it also helps with cardiovascular health. A study suggested that eating dark chocolate frequently leads to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, by 9%. Other additional benefits are still under investigation, yet consumption of Belgian dark chocolate is proven to correlate with a healthier body. (3)
It could help protect your skin from sunburn
Last but not least, consuming Belgian dark chocolate can help protect our skin from sunburn. Bioactive compounds in chocolate are beneficial for the health of our skin. Flavanols, for example, can improve blood flow to the skin, protect our skin from sun damage, and even increase skin density and hydration. Therefore, Belgian dark chocolate is an excellent snack when visiting the beach over the summer.
Belgian dark chocolate protein bars
Belgian dark chocolate is unique in its creation processes and historical context and is nutritious as it has positive impacts on our health. It is a perfect snack to be enjoyed in moderation.
If you want to try a delicious, high quality protein bar made with Belgian dark chocolate (and peanut butter, honey, collagen, and oats), then we would like to suggest our in-house made protein bars. They have 25g of protein per bar and are made with just 5 recognizable, high quality ingredients.
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