Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate: Is One Healthier than the Other | St. Mary's Health Care System (2024)

FAQs

Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate: Is One Healthier than the Other | St. Mary's Health Care System? ›

Dark chocolate! Because of its lower sugar and fat content and its higher flavanol content, dark chocolate has benefits over milk chocolate. However, both should be eaten in moderation because both contain more sugar and fat than is ideal in a heart-healthy diet.

The clear winner.

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.

Because Dark chocolate contains more cocoa than milk chocolate, it has higher levels of heavy metals—Consumer Reports recommends alternating between the two. However, because milk chocolate has more sugar than dark chocolate, neither should be consumed every day.

Most dark chocolate is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols. Flavanols are antioxidants linked to a lower risk of heart disease. In theory, dark chocolate will contain higher flavanol content (greater health benefit). Milk chocolate contains much less, and white chocolate contains none.

This suggests that people with diabetes may consider selecting dark chocolate products to minimize the impact on glucose control. Daily consumption of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate was shown to improve fasting plasma glucose levels and insulin resistance to an extent three times greater than milk chocolate.

But, compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is the healthier alternative. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and no milk while having much more cacao. The high percentage of cacao creates certain benefits from consuming dark chocolate. Flavanol is found in many plants, including the cacao plant.

White chocolate is the worst – it has more calories than milk chocolate and more sugar than dark.

The brands found to have the lowest levels of heavy metal contamination are: Mast Organic Dark Chocolate (80% cocoa) Taza Organic Chocolate (70% cocoa)

In general, dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and white chocolate. Dark chocolate with higher percentages of cacao solids typically contains even less sugar. Sugar content varies among chocolate manufacturers, so it is advisable to check the nutrition label.

Is dark chocolate good for the elderly? ›

Dark chocolate offers many positive health benefits that can be great for seniors and their overall health. For chocolate to be considered healthy, it must contain 60% cacao at the very least. Some experts recommend choosing dark chocolate made with 70-85% cacao to experience optimal health benefits.

The dark chocolate side effects may be associated with caffeine. It may cause sleeplessness, nervousness, increased urination, fast heartbeat, skin allergies, migraine and headache, nausea, and stomach problems like gas and constipation.

Dark chocolate contains some stearic acid and this has led to claims that chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol. Unfortunately, dark chocolate also contains saturated fats which do raise cholesterol.

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress lead to a high risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Food rich in polyphenols such as dark chocolate may be an effective strategy to mitigate inflammation and delay CKD complications, outwith sensorial pleasure promotion.

Palinski-Wade says saturated fats can increase inflammation and worsen insulin resistance, which can counteract the effects of metformin. Common sources of saturated fat include red meat, butter, cheese, and other full-fat dairy products like ice cream, as well as fried foods, coconut oil, and baked goods.

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants. Among the most beneficial is a flavonol called epicatechin. Flavonols are compounds found in plants that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.

The brands found to have the lowest levels of heavy metal contamination are: Mast Organic Dark Chocolate (80% cocoa) Taza Organic Chocolate (70% cocoa)

Optimally, you should look for dark chocolate that has a higher percentage of cocoa, which is generally a good indicator of the amount of flavonoids it contains. Don't expect to get the same heart-healthy effects from milk chocolate or white chocolate.

The only real difference is the carbohydrate content. A 50g serving of dark chocolate contains one 15g carbohydrate exchange, and the same amount of sugar-free dark chocolate contains half an exchange.