Chocolate

Most of the calories in chocolate come from fats and carbs in the form of sugar. Though certain types of chocolate contain small amounts of protein, it is generally less than 1.5 grams per ounce. Refer to the calorie counter for different types of chocolate to determine their content of carbs, fats and protein.

Caffeine Content

One thing many people do not realize is that chocolate contains caffeine. Granted, a 1.4-ounce bar of chocolate contains only about 6mg of caffeine (about as much as a cup of decaffeinated coffee). However, if you already drink a lot of caffeine, then eating chocolate could add to your daily intake.

Saturated Fat Content

Because chocolate is made with dairy milk, it typically has a fairly high saturated fat content. Dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) has the highest percentage of saturated fat (34g per 100g serving), followed by baking chocolate, 60-69% dark chocolate, and white chocolate. Though eating too much saturated fat is not good for your heart, research has shown that the type of saturated fat in chocolate is unlikely to increase your cholesterol levels in the same way that other saturated fats do. Still, it is a good idea to enjoy chocolate in moderation.

Chocolate is a sweet treat that is best enjoyed in moderation because it does not provide significant nutritional value. Refer to the calorie calculator for your favorite type of chocolate to determine its calories and nutrition facts.

High Sugar Content

One of the main health disadvantages of chocolate is that it commonly contains high levels of added sugar. Cocoa is not naturally sweet, so it is necessary to add sugar or other sweeteners to give chocolate that sweet taste you crave. Eating too much chocolate can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and can actually make you crave more chocolate and more sugar, which may lead to overeating.

Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Not all chocolate is bad. In fact, dark chocolate has been shown to have a number of significant health benefits. Dark chocolate contains small amounts of various vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, and selenium. Additionally, eating a small portion of dark chocolate several times a week may help to lower blood pressure, raise good cholesterol levels, and improve cognitive function.