Milk chocolate has its pros and cons. On the one hand, chocolate has a number of proven health benefits. On the other hand, adding milk and sugar can counteract those health benefits.
Health Benefits of Chocolate
If you don’t want to give up your chocolate, but can’t stomach the dark chocolate, there is still hope. Chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and may even have anticancer properties. This is largely due to the polyphenols, known as flavonoids, that are found in chocolate. They have excellent anti-inflammatory properties, and are extremely beneficial in boosting immune health.
Paleo and Milk
That said, milk is not strictly Paleo. It’s pretty high in carbs and can cause numerous health issues in some people. Obviously, if you can’t tolerate dairy, you should avoid milk chocolate.
The Problems With Sugar
Sugar is also extremely problematic. The small amounts found in dark chocolate are harmless, but the milk chocolate varieties tend to have more sugar than cocoa, and if you’re indulging in this kind of a treat too often, you could be in for some trouble. As always, we recommend limiting your sugar and letting your tastebuds adapt to a diet that’s not as sweet. You’d be surprised at the way your perception of your old favorite foods changes when that happens.
Mark Sisson has explained why all chocolate is not created equal.
