Complete chocolate guide

Did you know that women crave chocolate more than any other food? From delicious darks to white-flavoured brands, we can't get enough of the sweet taste. Worry about your addiction? Don't! Our guide and Chocolate myths revealed show you why chocolate may be better for you than you think. Just remember: chocolate is still high in saturated fat, so consume less than 5 grams of fat from chocolate each day.

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Chocolate myths revealed · Research has proven that chocolate does not cause hyperactivity in children. · Chocolate alone does not cause cavities. It is how the food is eaten, i.e., how long it remains in the mouth, how often it's consumed and the sequence of foods it's eaten with that results in tooth decay. · Allergies to chocolate are uncommon. Though you may be allergic to an ingredient, such as milk or lecithin, within the chocolate. See an allergist for a proper diagnosis. · Most headaches are not caused by chocolate. Stress, hunger and hormone changes are the most prominent culprits. · Chocolate isn't addictive. People desire chocolate because they enjoy it, not because they're addicted to it.

Dark chocolate

What's its story?

· Bitter and semi-sweet chocolate also fall into this category.

· Made with cocoa butter, sweeteners and at least 35 per cent chocolate liquor.

· Commonly used in chocolate chips, baking and dessert coatings.

Health notes

· Contains high amounts of flavonoids – a plant compound that helps protect the heart.

· Dark chocolate that contains a minimum of 70 per cent cocoa solids is the healthiest choice because of its high flavonoid count. Note that many of these compounds can be destroyed during processing. Try to steer clear of bars made from roasted or fermented cocoa beans.

· Contains between 10 to 60 mg of caffeine, which is not a high level of caffeine. A typical 1.4 ounce bar contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

· Boasts essential elements: iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

· Contains serotonin, a chemical anti-depressant.

		Dark Chocolate Recipes

	Dark chocolate truffles Dark chocolate brownie hearts Mocha fondue Molten chocolate cake

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Milk chocolate

What's its story?

· Made with cocoa butter, milk, sweeteners, flavourings and chocolate liquor.

· Commonly used in candy bars, baking and dessert coatings.

Health notes

· Contains only 2 to 30 mg of caffeine. A typical 1.4 ounce bar contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

· Boasts essential elements: iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

· One of the snack foods that's least likely to contribute to tooth decay.

· Contains serotonin, a chemical anti-depressant.

Watch out

· Contains three times less flavonoids – a plant compound that helps protect the heart – than dark chocolate.

		Milk Chocolate Recipes

	Candy bar cookies Marbled candy cane bark Cappuccino brownies

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White chocolate

What's it's story?

· Contains cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, lechithin and flavourings, but no chocolate liquor.

· Commonly used in candy bars, baking and dessert coatings.

Health Notes

· Boasts essential elements: iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Watch out

· White chocolate doesn't contain flavonoids, making it the least healthy of the three types of chocolate.

		White Chocolate Recipes

	Double chocolate chunk cookies Baci di cioccolati Marbled candy cane bark

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