What Is Different With Organic Chocolate?
One of the primary distinctions of organic chocolate is that it is made from uncontaminated cocoa beans that have not been treated with herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. Organic farming should maintain and preserve the soil for cocoa trees without using harmful toxins.
For chocolate to be called organic, it must contain only certified organic components. The organic farming program outlaws the use of additives, preservatives, and GMOs. The program ensures all farming procedures use no harsh chemicals.
Organic chocolate production is done using environmentally sustainable farming methods. Farmers ensure they create a well-balanced ecosystem that is environmentally sustainable for both plants and animals to prevent pests and disease. This means diversifying the crop by using cover crops to provide shade for the delicate plants while enriching the soil.
Is Organic Chocolate Healthier?
There is definitely every reason to believe that organic chocolate is healthier than non-organic chocolate. The reason for this belief is informed by the fact that organic chocolate is made from organic cocoa beans that are grown using natural means without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Other than that, for a chocolate to be considered organic, it must have been processed and produced using natural flavorings. It must meet certain strict organic standards and be devoid of artificial additives.
Add to that the fact that organic cocoa used to produce organic chocolate has a high concentration of certain antioxidants such as flavanols that are linked to improved cardiovascular health and you will understand why organic chocolate is touted as much healthier than non-organic chocolate. With that said, whether you are a proponent of organic or non-organic chocolate, it’s worth noting that both are high in sugar and fat and if not eaten in moderation, could contribute to weight gain. The bottom line is that organic chocolate is much healthier compared to non-organic chocolate.
What are the different types of chocolate available?
Here are the different types of chocolate available.
Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is the most common type of chocolate. It is made of milk, sugar, and cocoa.
White chocolate: White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk and is mostly used in desserts. White chocolate does not have any chocolate or cocoa products apart from cocoa butter.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains sugar, chocolate liquor, and cocoa butter. It does not contain milk and is mostly used in baking.
Ruby chocolate: Ruby chocolate is made from cocoa beans. It has a slightly sour fruity taste and can be used to bake, make ice cream, milkshakes, and many others.
Unsweetened chocolate: Unsweetened chocolate is also known as dark chocolate and is made from ground cocoa beans. It is used for baking or cooking.
Couverture chocolate: Couverture chocolate contains high amounts of cocoa butter than other types of chocolate. It is expensive and of high quality.
What are the health benefits of raw organic chocolate?
Improves heart health: Raw organic chocolate contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals which help support a healthy heart, lowering blood pressure, and improve blood circulation.
Improves digestion: Raw organic chocolate is rich in fiber which helps produce digestive enzymes, therefore, improving digestion.
Rich in antioxidants: Raw organic chocolate contains antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging the body cells, therefore, reducing the risk of infections around the body.
High in flavanols: Raw organic chocolate contains flavanols. Flavanol is an antioxidant, that helps improve blood circulation, helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Improves mental health: Raw organic chocolate contains many components such as proteins, beta carotene, anandamide, and other important components which support brain health, help reduce anxiety, improve moods, and combat depression.