Although I do not live a vegan lifestyle, it became very clear to me in my early thirties that this bod was not a fan of my girl, dairy. I loved her, but she didn’t love me back. So, simply put, I avoid it (most of the time), and I know I’m not alone. Here are some great reasons why vegan chocolate is my friend and can be yours, too.
[intense_icon_list mode=”shortcodes”] [intense_icon_list_item type=”heart” size=”2″ color=”#ff0303″] #1 Naturally Lower in Sugar[/intense_icon_list_item] Most milk chocolate contains way more sugar than its dark chocolate counterparts, not only in the form of refined sugars (it’s usually the very first ingredient listed, which means its predominant ingredient is sugar), but also because milk itself contains sugar. Sure, milk sugar may be a form of natural sugar, but combine that with the already high amounts of sugar added to milk chocolate and you have a sugar whammy! Sugar crash anyone??!![/intense_icon_list]
[intense_icon_list mode=”shortcodes”] [intense_icon_list_item type=”heart” size=”2″ color=”#ff0303″] #2 Naturally Higher in Antioxidants[/intense_icon_list_item] We’ve all heard about the health benefits of chocolate. Well, the rumors are true, but not 100% of the time. As with all rules, there are always exceptions. Unlike milk chocolate, vegan chocolate more often than not has more flavonoids, which are the antioxidants found in cocoa powder that are healthy powerhouses. Flavonoids not only neutralize free-radicals (those nasty buggers that seem to be the very cause of disease itself), but they are also proven to lower cholesterol as well as blood pressure. Total win, win![/intense_icon_list]
[intense_icon_list mode=”shortcodes”] [intense_icon_list_item type=”heart” size=”2″ color=”#ff0303″] #3 Naturally High in Fiber[/intense_icon_list_item] Cocoa has a high amount of fiber. Milk, on the other hand, has no fiber. That said, chocolate that contains no milk naturally has more fiber. Fiber is an important component of any diet. The fiber in cocoa keeps things moving, is a natural prebiotic (the necessary counterpart to probiotics), and is also linked to lower blood pressure and heart health![/intense_icon_list]
[intense_icon_list mode=”shortcodes”] [intense_icon_list_item type=”heart” size=”2″ color=”#ff0303″] #4 No Antibiotics or Hormones[/intense_icon_list_item] If there is no milk in your chocolate then there is no need to worry about nasty antibiotics or hormones that may have been used to treat the animals from which the milk came.. Unfortunately, there is no way to know whether or not the milk in your milk chocolate is untreated UNLESS it specifically states so or if it is organic. A great way to save yourself the headache of wondering is to simply eat delicious vegan/non-dairy alternatives![/intense_icon_list]
[intense_icon_list mode=”shortcodes”] [intense_icon_list_item type=”heart” size=”2″ color=”#ff0303″] #5 Lactose Intolerance[/intense_icon_list_item] Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply avoid milk for health reasons, vegan chocolate is for you! No milk means no tummy upset or problems![/intense_icon_list]
So, now that we’ve covered some ground, if truth be told, as much as I LOVE the flavor of dark chocolate, I still crave the milky stuff on occasion. But I know better, right? So what’s a girl to do?! This leads me to another reason I consider Cocoa Bar in a Jar so special. Not only is it a delicious, vegan chocolate, but (wait for it) it tastes dreamy, creamy, and almost “milky.” The combination of coconut butter and peanuts balances out this healthy chocolate spread and makes it unlike anything out there. Give it a whirl and see for yourself.
Spread the love,
Monique
