Why? Because it is serious survival food. Really!
True, we are talking about dark chocolate not a Mr. Goodbar. Dark chocolate is good for your heart. It is rich in phenols and flavonoids that help maintain blood pressure and keep your arteries healthy. Limit yourself to about half an ounce per day since it is high in calories. And look for at least 70% cacao content to get the highest percentage of antioxidants.
Most of you probably knew that. Chocolate lovers will grab on to any information that justifies their addiction. But there are other health benefits to chocolate you may not be aware of.
Believe it or not, dark chocolate may help fight diabetes. Those same phenols and flavonoids that protect your heart also improve insulin sensitivity. Again, the higher the concentration of cacao, the better the results.
Dark chocolate may also ease diarrhea. Yup! It's those flavonoids. They work by binding to and inhibiting a protein that regulates fluid secretion in the small intestine.
Foods rich in antioxidants and polyphenols may also help treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). And dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. So the next time you have a UTI, consider snacking on some dark chocolate.
Chocolate can also help fight stress and depression. It's a comfort food. Look for chocolate made with real cocoa butter. The cocoa butter is what contains the beneficial antioxidants.
Did you know that dark chocolate can actually help fight tooth decay? I know...right? Chocolate? Doesn't that give you cavities? Well it appears that the tannins in chocolate help stop bacteria from sticking to your teeth and the phenols limit oral bacteria. Again, we are talking about DARK chocolate. Milk chocolate is much higher in sugar which can indeed lead to tooth decay.
Oh, and guys...chocolate contains L-arginine, an amino acid that can be a natural sex-enhancer (aphrodisiac). (PSSST....Ladies. It works for you too!)
Still not ready to add chocolate to your emergency rations? How about this? It's one more thing you can use to barter. I know I'd happily trade a kid or two for some chocolate. (Just kidding.) But I would accept quality dark chocolate in exchange for other goods or services. So would many others.
Chocolate doesn't have an exceptionally long shelf life. But storing it in airtight jars will help. What chocolate should you consider adding to your supplies? Here are my recommendations:
1. Baker's Premium Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar: This is pure unsweetened chocolate with absolutely no sugar. It's great for baking. Baker's Premium Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Bar is also good for baking and cooking, but it is sweeter so some may find it good for snacking.
2. Hershey's Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips: These melt quickly so they are great for cooking. Plus a handful of chocolate chips can be a good quick snack. Mix them with some nuts and dried cranberries for a quick and easy healthy snack.
3. Hershey's Cocoa: One of my happiest memories is making real hot cocoa over the campfire on fishing trips with my uncle and grandpa. This is real cocoa powder that can be used for baking, cooking, beverages, smoothies and many other uses. It is so much better than that instant stuff... and because it's real, it has all the health bennies.
4. PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter (With Chocolate): All the benefits of PB and chocolate in powdered form. Use it in baked goods and protein shakes. I have friends tell me they mix it with water and it makes a decent spread for PB sandwiches. I have not tried that. I'll stick to my Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter!
5. Navitas Organics Raw Cacao Nibs: Like sprinkles only healthier. Because you can never have too many sprinkles! These come plain 100% natural cacao or sweetened if you need a little sugar added. Either way, they are my go-to chocolate staple.
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