Wei of Chocolate Wei Inspired, $30 for 28 pieces. Medical herbalist Daniela Turley has touted the anti-stress, immune-boosting benefits of reishi mushrooms so when we spotted it in this savory 72% cocoa dark chocolate bar, we stocked up. It also contains brain-stimulating walnuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Vosges Super Dark Reishi Mushroom & Walnut, $7.50 White chocolate isn’t even real chocolate because it doesn’t contain cocoa. On that note, avoid drinking cow’s milk while savoring your chocolate.
Avoid milk chocolate because milk binds to the antioxidants in chocolate, making them hard for your body to absorb. Another consideration: “Make sure the bar is organic, because if you’re going to eat sugar, you want it to be as minimally processed as possible,” says health coach Holli Thompson.
Dark chocolate can also help ward off weight gain because it is more filling than other chocolates, so you tend to eat less of it. Cocoa is what can help lower your heart rate, reduce stress hormones, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and diabetes. Always buy dark chocolate and make sure that it has at least 60% cocoa, which contains all the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-blood-clotting powers. So while everyone has chocolate on the brain for Valentine’s Day, here’s a bouquet of Charlotte’s Book expert-approved healthy chocolate bars that we’d give to our loved ones, especially ourselves.īut first, here are a few quick guidelines to follow when you’re browsing the healthy chocolate aisle in your local store. The result? A delicious guilt-free treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth, but can also help lift you out of a slump, boost your immune system, fire up your antioxidant levels, reduce the day’s stress load and put a smile on your face. The newest heart-loving indulgences combine dark chocolate with superfoods, herbal extracts and other mind/body-boosting ingredients using artisanal precision. Goji berries, maca and reishi, oh my! The bar has definitely been raised for healthy chocolate.