Functional Foods: Why Chocolate Is A Great Delivery Method

Many agree that chocolate is synonymous with indulgence and romance. Did you know it is also synonymous with health? Functional foods are the way of the future, and chocolate’s old world decadence is the perfect delivery method for bioactive ingredients.

On its own, dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids, soluble fiber, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, and selenium  which are known to have positive health benefits. As a carrier for bioactive ingredients, dark chocolate can be both tasty and functional. Research is finding that the health benefits of dark chocolate are promising. Paired with botanicals, vitamins, and herbs, chocolate may be the perfect blend of super food and nutraceuticals.

What Are Functional Foods?

A sharp rise in consumer demand for food products that deliver supplemental health benefits has led to the increased popularity of functional foods. 

In a nutshell, functional foods are foods that contain additional nutrients that may be beneficial to a person's health. Some examples of functional foods include: Milk with added Vitamin D, Orange Juice with added Calcium and Vitamin D, and Eggs with increased DHA. Another super food that has been researched for its benefits on heart and brain health is dark chocolate.

Chocolate As A Carrier for Bioactive Nutrients

Because of its own potential for health benefits, dark chocolate acts as a great carrier for bioactive nutrients that can help with a variety of issues. Some of the reasons dark chocolate is a great option include:

Using chocolate as a delivery method for bioactive nutrients combines the health benefits of carefully formulated nutraceuticals with the health benefits of dark chocolate in a decadent package that is delightful to consume.  

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called ‘polyphenols’ and ‘flavanols’. These phyto-chemicals work to protect our body’s cells from damaging, free radicals. As a superfood, chocolate is already packed with health boosting properties. This makes it an even more desirable carrier.

Chocolate melts between 94 degrees and 97 degrees fahrenheit. Thus making chocolate  a delivery method that melts perfectly on your tongue.

The Power of Flavanols

Flavanols are plant based compounds, or phyto-chemicals. Studies show that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes when consumed as part of a healthy diet. Dark chocolate is packed with these powerful antioxidants which are shown to prevent cardiovascular disease. 

Using dark chocolate as a delivery method for vitamins and botanicals gives consumers the added benefits of consuming antioxidants and other health promoting minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. 

‘Functional’ Chocolate Combines Super Powers

Chocolate alone contains health boosting phyto-chemicals and minerals. Pairing it with active nutraceuticals and clinically researched ingredients creates an indulgent and especially effective experience. Functional Chocolate bars are made with Dark Chocolate (60% cacao) that offers the best of both worlds - less fat, less sugar and more flavor. 

We want our treats to bring more than flavor, and Functional Chocolate delivers the best of both worlds. Decadence that inspires; and carefully formulated ingredients that deliver. 

Functional Chocolate Bars tastefully address:

•  Low Libido with Libifem, a standardized fenugreek extract, which has been clinically proven to promote healthy libido, sexual vitality and desire.
•  Low Energy with Chocamine®, a patented cocoa-based ingredient shown to provide sustained energy without jitters.
• Anxiety and stress with mood boosting PharmaGaba, which has been clinically shown to promote relaxation without drowsiness.
• PMS symptoms with SaffSerene (featuring saffron flowers grown in Turkey and Morocco) clinically shown to provide a 50% reduction in the severity of PMS symptoms. 
• Menopause symptoms with patented Estro-G 100®, clinically shown to reduce hot flashes by 65%, fatigue by 67% and joint aches by 65%.
• Trouble with Focus with Chocamine®, a patented cocoa-based ingredient that may help improve cognitive function