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Eat Chocolate, Get Healthier: Why Phosphorus Makes Chocolate Your New Health Food
Key Takeaways
- Phosphorus is an essential mineral crucial for bone health, energy production, and cellular function.
- Cacao is naturally rich in phosphorus, with raw cacao containing significantly higher amounts than processed chocolate.
- Oats and rice, used in some vegan milk chocolate bars, also contribute to the phosphorus content.
- Chocolate bars made with raw Peruvian Criollo cacao are an excellent source of phosphorus and other beneficial nutrients.
Introduction
When you think of chocolate, phosphorus might not be the first nutrient that comes to mind. However, this essential mineral plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being.
As it turns out, cacao – the primary ingredient in chocolate – is surprisingly rich in phosphorus, making your favourite treat not just delicious but also potentially beneficial for your health.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of phosphorus, its presence in cacao, and how choosing the right chocolate can boost your phosphorus intake while supporting ethical and sustainable practices.
The Importance of Phosphorus for Health
Phosphorus is a vital mineral found in every cell of the body, playing a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is essential for:
Bone and Tooth Health
Phosphorus works in tandem with calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.
This dynamic duo forms the structural component of our skeletal system, ensuring our bones remain strong and resilient throughout our lives.
Energy Production
This mineral is essential for converting food into energy, ensuring our bodies have the fuel they need to function optimally.
Phosphorus plays a key role in the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells.
Cell Function and Repair
Phosphorus is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells in the body. It’s a crucial component of cell membranes and is involved in cellular signalling processes.
DNA and RNA Production
This mineral is a key component in the production of DNA and RNA, the genetic building blocks of the body.
Without adequate phosphorus, our bodies would struggle to create new cells and maintain proper genetic function.
Phosphorus Content in Cacao and Chocolate
Now that we understand the importance of phosphorus, let’s explore its presence in cacao and chocolate. You might be surprised to learn just how much of this essential mineral is packed into your favourite treat.
Raw Cacao: A Phosphorus Powerhouse
Raw cacao, the primary ingredient in high-quality chocolate, is naturally rich in phosphorus. At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we use raw, unroasted Peruvian Criollo cacao in our chocolate bars. This ancient, heirloom variety of cacao is not only prized for its complex flavour profile but also for its high nutrient content, including phosphorus.
Our cacao contains an impressive 448mg of phosphorus per 100g, which is 64% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). By skipping the roasting process, we ensure that the natural properties of the cacao beans, including their phosphorus content, are preserved.
Phosphorus in Different Types of Chocolate
The phosphorus content in chocolate varies depending on the type and cacao percentage:
Phosphorus in Dark Chocolate
Mr Popple’s Chocolate offers a range of dark chocolate bars with varying cacao percentages, all made with our signature raw Peruvian Criollo cacao.
Our “Pure Peruvian” 100% cacao bar, for instance, provides the highest concentration of phosphorus (448mg per 100g) and other nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximise their mineral intake.
Phosphorus in Plant-Based Milks
At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’re committed to creating delicious, ethical chocolate that caters to various dietary needs.
That’s why we use plant-based milks in our vegan milk chocolate bars. Let’s explore how these ingredients contribute to the phosphorus content of our chocolate.
Oat Milk
Oats are a rich source of phosphorus, with oat flour providing approximately 440 mg of phosphorus per 100g. While some of the phosphorus in oats is bound to phytates, which can reduce its absorption, oats remain a high-phosphorus food.
Rice Milk
Rice contains even more phosphorus, with rice flour providing about 550 mg per 100g
By using a blend of oat and rice milks in our Creamy Mylk, Minty Mylk, and Creamy Orange bars, we’re not only creating a deliciously creamy texture but also contributing to the overall phosphorus content of our vegan milk chocolate bars.
The Benefits of Choosing High-Quality, Raw Chocolate
When it comes to reaping the phosphorus benefits from chocolate, not all bars are created equal.
Choosing high-quality, minimally processed chocolate can make a significant difference in the nutrient content of your treat.
The Raw Advantage
At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we believe in the power of raw cacao.
Our chocolate-making process preserves the natural goodness of the cacao beans, ensuring that you get the maximum nutritional benefit from every bite.
A study conducted by Oxford Brookes University found that our raw chocolate has “significantly higher levels of antioxidants and polyphenols compared to four leading UK dark chocolate brands”.
Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Choosing ethically sourced chocolate not only ensures a higher quality product but also supports sustainable farming practices. At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we source our cacao from a cooperative of farmers in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, where it’s grown using agroforestry techniques that protect the natural ecosystem.
Incorporating Phosphorus-Rich Chocolate into Your Diet
While chocolate can be a good source of phosphorus, it’s important to consume it as part of a balanced diet. Here are some tips for incorporating phosphorus-rich chocolate into your routine:
- Opt for dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage, such as our Atey Ate% 88% raw chocolate bar or Signature Seventy 70% raw chocolate bar.
- Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate as a daily treat to boost your phosphorus intake.
- Use raw cacao powder in smoothies or baking for an extra nutrient boost.
- Try our unsweetened, 100% chocolate Pure Peruvian bar for the maximum phosphorus content, perfect for those who enjoy intense, unsweetened chocolate.
Conclusion
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, from bone health to energy production. Cacao and dark chocolate, particularly raw and minimally processed varieties, can be excellent sources of this important nutrient. By choosing high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate like Mr Popple’s, you can enjoy a delicious treat while supporting your health and sustainable farming practices.
Remember, while chocolate can be part of a healthy diet, it should be enjoyed in moderation. Always consider your overall nutrient intake and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions. For a guilt-free indulgence that’s rich in phosphorus and other essential nutrients, explore our range of organic, raw, vegan chocolate bars and discover the delicious world of ethical, nutrient-dense chocolate.
FAQs
Is raw chocolate higher in phosphorus than regular chocolate?
Raw chocolate should contain higher levels of phosphorus and other nutrients compared to conventionally processed chocolate. This is because the raw chocolate-making process preserves more of the cacao bean’s natural compounds.
Can I get enough phosphorus from chocolate alone?
While chocolate can contribute to your phosphorus intake, it shouldn’t be your sole source of this mineral. A balanced diet including other phosphorus-rich foods like nuts and whole grains is important for meeting your nutritional needs.
Are there any concerns about consuming too much phosphorus from chocolate?
For most healthy individuals, getting too much phosphorus from chocolate is not a concern. However, people with kidney problems or certain other health conditions may need to monitor their phosphorus intake carefully. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns.
Can vegan milk chocolate alternatives provide phosphorus?
Yes, our vegan milk chocolate alternatives, like our Creamy Mylk and Minty Mylk bars, still provide phosphorus from the cacao content. The oat and rice milks used in these bars also contribute to their phosphorus content, making them a good option for those preferring a sweeter, creamier chocolate experience while still benefiting from this essential mineral.