With the recent growth of ‘HealthifyMe’ foods, dark chocolate is no exception to the trend. Gone are the times when chocolate was merely a munchable and we’re full of gratitude for science for bringing a choco-lot change! For its part, dark chocolate is anything that contains 10% cocoa mass and less than 12% dairy/dairy alternative. 

Toska not only enjoys chocolate making but also ensures that science works its magic on this fine art! Keeping pace with recent trends and research, we’ve successfully created a vegan, gluten-free and Keto-friendly bars, all while retaining taste and goodness!  Dark chocolate plays host to multiple benefits most of which lie in its nutrients and natural antioxidants. While chocolate doesn’t need a reason to be good, let’s just talk about some scientific findings to validate your love and every reason to enjoy dark chocolate! 

The Nutrient Powerhouse

Dark chocolate cocoa mass ranges anywhere from 55-95% or even 100%. A good cocoa mass ensures more flavonoids and other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, copper and magnesium. Cocoa mass and sugar correlate negatively, that is, the more the cocoa mass, the lesser the sugar content. This brings good news for the calorie and weight conscious!

Our Toska Dark Chocolate Bars have a cocoa mass ranging from 55-80% cocoa. We’re just letting you know just in case!

The Diabetes Caretaker

Commonly suggested and strictly meant to be followed by diabetics is to control one’s sugar intake. With natural human tendency, we crave what we shun! Would chocolate then be safe for people with diabetes? Research says yes! It was found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate increases insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. However, ‘moderation is key’ is what goes unsaid!

So the next time you visit your grandparents/relatives with diabetes, grab a dark chocolate Toska starting from 55% Cocoa mass and going up to 80%!
This means good news because we took care of the sugar bit for you and your family.

Filled With Love For Your Heart

Considered to be packed with antioxidants, dark chocolate could be benevolent for your heart. It has Flavonols (a flavonoid subtype)  which are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest chocolate or cocoa consumption is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure in adults.

Show some love for the organs that make you fall in love! We suggest you build your own Toska Black/White box which will allow you to get the best in bits!

Surprising Skin Potion

The next time you plan a sunny beach day/holiday, start munching on some dark chocolates a few days/weeks prior. Sounds strange? Not to us, because certain bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may be good news for your skin! Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that protect from UV rays damage. Remember to eat it, not slather it on as sunscreen!

Skin-Friendly Wonder

Small amounts of quality chocolate can actually fight the ageing process. The main type of cocoa flavanol is called epicatechin, an antioxidant now commonly used as a supplement in bodybuilding, as it increases blood flow to the muscles and can lower blood pressure. But note that these antioxidants are only found in cocoa solids, so no beauty salon can offer you what a dark bar can!

For The Brainy You

Studies show that eating high flavanol cocoa can improve blood flow to the brain in young adults. How does blood flow affect brain function? Well, it may not give the world another Einstein or Hawking but surely improve memory, verbal learning and attention.

The next time you come through a Toska bar, let your brain take the decision!

A Stress Buster

Do you have happy food in times of stress? Yes, we know it's chocolate.

When you’re happy you feel less stressed and when you’re less stressed, you feel happier! 

Chocolate helps fight cortisol, a stress hormone due to the presence of antioxidants called polyphenol primarily found in dark chocolate. Go on now, choco-lick, we mean choco-kick the stress away! 

Boosts Athletic Performance

The epicatechin in dark chocolate increases the production of nitric oxide in the blood, which supports circulation. This in turn decreases oxygen usage in athletes while they exercise. Reduced oxygen helps athletes pull on for longer workouts!

Helps Expectant Mothers

You don’t need reasons for cravings during pregnancy but we’re just giving you one! Recent studies show that chocolate improves foetal growth. It also reduces the risk of preeclampsia (reduced blood supply to the foetus), caused by hypertension, common during pregnancy. Chocolate helps control preeclampsia by lowering blood pressure. To top it off, it also combats those mood swings!

Works As An Antidepressant

Eating chocolate is not only a pleasure but also is linked to fighting depression. It is observed that consuming 24 grams or less of Dark Chocolate per day can have antidepressant effects on people.

This can relieve one from depression, with its combined presence of flavonoids (known to improve mood), theobromine (delivers energy), N-acylethanolamines (a fatty acid that has a euphoric effect) and Phenylethylamine (triggers dopamine).

Boosts The Immune System

Cocoa can modulate the inflammatory response of your immune system. Inflammation is tissue’s response to pathogens, chemicals, wounding, or infections. Flavonoids are generally associated with anti-inflammatory properties and chocolate is filled with them.

Aids Digestion

Your digestive system can benefit from the increase in gut microbiome diversity caused by dark chocolate. This helps because it causes good bacteria growth, hence ensuring a healthy digestive tract and system. 

Convinced that dark is the way to go?

Then why not try the most loved one around?

Depending on whether you are a dark chocolate newbie or a devout lover, we recommend the inclusive dark chocolate range at Toska, catering to the sweeter end of the spectrum at 55% and the darkest ones at 80%.

In the end, chocolate is the best gift you can give yourself, why not read about 4 things you ought to know about your favourite chocolates?