Unsweetened chocolate (also referred to as “baking chocolate”) is 100% cocoa in the form of chocolate liquor. Baking Paleo goodies with this type of chocolate is not only allowed, it’s advisable. If you can stand to eat chocolate without any sweeteners, it’s also a great Paleo snack or dessert to eat all by itself (that’s not for everyone, though). By going for the unsweetened chocolate, you get all the health benefits of chocolate without the detrimental effects of sugar.
The Fat Profile
The fat in dark chocolate comes from cocoa butter, which is almost entirely saturated and monounsaturated fats, which we like. They are stable when exposed to heat and light and have actually been shown to improve cholesterol levels.
Chocolate and Anti-oxidants
Chocolate also comes loaded with flavanols, a type of polyphenol that is meant to protect the plant, but imparts all sorts of health benefits for humans when consumed. Bad for the plant. Good for us. Chief among these health benefits are reduced blood pressure, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced risk of heart disease.
Mark Sisson has a whole list of reasons why we should include dark chocolate in our diets.
