Amul Dark Chocolate Benefits for diabetes

Dark Chocolate has recently gained popularity due to its numerous benefits. Out of the different brands, Amul dark chocolate has been voted as the best out of all. Its many uses and beneficial effects on many diseases make it the ultimate choice for most individuals craving chocolate. This article talks about the various types of dark chocolate and how individuals with diabetes can safely consume Amul dark chocolate with sugar-free calories.

Dark chocolate is made up of cocoa, sugar, and fat. It contains no milk solids, thus differentiating it from white chocolate. The primary ingredient of dark chocolate is cocoa. The percentage of cocoa is how the various kinds of dark chocolate get their name from. Read the article to know the benefits of dark chocolate for diabetics.

Nutritional value of Amul Dark Chocolate

Amul dark chocolate is made of 55% cocoa, sugar, cocoa butter, and artificial flavors. The fat, carbohydrate, and sugar content of Amul sugar-free dark chocolate calories provide instant energy. Proteins help build muscles; dark chocolate is recommended after a gym workout to reduce muscle soreness.

Types of Amul Dark Chocolate for Diabetes

1. Amul Sugar-free Dark Chocolate (55% Cocoa)

Nutritional Value

Uses:

Beneficial for people with diabetes; are good for heart and brain health and mental health and provide significant energy to boost your daily activities. Amul sugar-free dark chocolate calories add to overall energy.

Recipes:

You can eat it as a chocolate indulgence or make amazing recipes, here’s an easy recipe that you can make with Amul Sugar-free dark chocolate.

Dark Chocolate and Oatmeal cookie 

Ingredients:

• Rolled Oats - ¾ cup
• Dark Chocolate Chips - ¼ cup
• Peanut Butter - 2 tbsp
• Low-fat Milk - 2 tbsp

Method:

1. Take a medium size saucepan, in it mix peanut butter, milk, and dark chocolate chips.  

2. Stir continuously to melt these ingredients. Once the chocolate chips have melted and mixed well with other ingredients, remove the saucepan from the heat.

3. Now mix the rolled oats into it. Allow the mixture to cool down.

4. Scoop out small portions of this mixture with a spoon, and place it on the baking sheet. With the spoon, flatten the mixture to give it a cookie shape.

5. Allow the mixture to set in a fridge for at least 10 minutes, and your dark chocolate and oat cookie is ready to be relished.

How much to eat:

30-60 gms/day; Individuals with diabetes need to confirm with their diabetologist and nutritionist.

Risks/Considerations:

The fat and carbohydrate content in sugar-free dark chocolate may not be preferable when you suffer from high cholesterol and blood pressure issues.

2. Amul Bitter Chocolate (75% Cocoa)

Nutritional Value

Uses:

Ideal for vegan diet followers and diabetes. Amul sugar-free dark chocolate calories add to overall energy.

Recipes:

Amul bitter chocolate is a great choice when you want to make a cup of yummy, yet healthy hot chocolate drink. Here’s the recipe.

Healthy Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened almond milk -1 cup
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 teaspoons
• Pure honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon
• Chopped Amul dark chocolate or chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla extract or essence - 1/4 teaspoon
• small pinch of salt

Method:

1. Take a small saucepan and heat the almond milk to boil.

2. Now add the cocoa powder, chopped Amul dark chocolate, honey, and salt. Continuously whisk till all the ingredients dissolve in the milk.

3. Add the vanilla essence and a pinch of salt.

4. Serve hot in a cup and enjoy. 

How much to Eat:

30-60 gms/day; Individuals with diabetes need to confirm with their diabetologist and nutritionist.

Risks/Considerations:

Added sugar may not benefit some individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.

3. Amul Bitter Intense Dark Chocolate (90% Cocoa)

Nutritional Value

Uses:

A great protein supplement, ideal for gym goers.

Recipes:

Diabetic patients too can indulge in some chocolate cake or brownie without the guilt. Here’s the quick recipe.

Choco Brownie Delight

Ingredients:

• Almond flour-1/2 cup
• Eggs - 2 No.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup
• Chopped Amul bitter intense dark chocolate - 140 gms
• Vanilla extract or essence - 1/4 teaspoon
• Melted butter - 1/2 cup
• Brown sugar - 1 cup 
• small pinch of Himalayan pink salt

 Method:

1.Add melted Butter to a mixing bowl followed by the whole eggs and give it a whisk. Now add the brown sugar, and mix it thoroughly, till it is light and fluffy.

2. Sieve in the almond flour, and cocoa powder little by little and keep folding in gently, into the mixing bowl with butter and sugar, till it mixes completely. 

3. Melt the Amul dark chocolate on a double boiler, and then add it into the mixing bowl. Add vanilla essence and pinch of salt. Gently mix the brownie batter for a few seconds. If you think the cake batter is too thick, you can add little milk to improve the consistency. 

4. Transfer the batter to a greased tin, and bake for 25-30 minutes on 180° in a preheated oven until done. Allow it to cool down, and relish this super chocolatey yummy brownie.

How much to eat:

30-60 gms/day; Individuals with diabetes need to confirm with their diabetologist and nutritionist.

Risks/Considerations:

Added sugar may not be beneficial for some individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.

4. Amul Cacao Ultimate Dark Chocolate (99% Cocoa)

Nutritional Value

Uses:

Excellent for people on a sugar-free diet.

Recipes:

Here’s a healthy recipe that you will be surprised is so healthy and tasty, that you would like to treat yourself often.

Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

• Coconut milk - 2 cups
• Chia seeds - ½ cup 
• Roughly chopped Amul Cacao Ultimate Dark Chocolate - ½ cup
• Vanilla essence - 1 tsp
• Cinnamon powder - 1tsp
• Whole dates (dried and pitted) - 9 no.
• Chopped almonds, strawberry or raspberry slices for garnish.

Method:

1. Melt the Amul Cacao Ultimate Dark Chocolate in a double boiler and keep it aside.
2. Take a large bowl, to this add the coconut milk, chia seeds and the melted chocolate and mix it well.
3. Add the vanilla essence, dates and cinnamon powder, mix in these ingredients, and cover the bowl.
4. Leave this mixture in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. 
5. Remove pudding from the refrigerator and spoon into the blender. Puree until smooth.
6. Top with fresh fruit, almonds, or shaved dark chocolate.

How Much to Eat:

30-60 grams/day; Individuals with diabetes need to confirm with their diabetologist and nutritionist.

Risks/Considerations:

Added sugar may not benefit some individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.

How Frequently to Consume Dark Chocolate?

For people with diabetes, consuming anything in moderation is the mantra. A small piece of dark chocolate, approximately 30 gms, is acceptable to be consumed on a daily basis by a diabetic person. Avoid consuming this right after the meal, and rather consume it like a mid-day or an evening snack to get instant energy.

Ways to Consume Dark Chocolate

• Diabetic people can indulge in a small piece of dark chocolate as a post-meal treat, twice a day, and not more.
• It’s recommended that you check the nutritional value of dark chocolate, and choose the bitter kind which contains 70-85% cocoa content.
• Many people like to make delicious desserts like pudding, and chocolate oat cookies using dark chocolate. Remember to avoid adding sugar or dry fruits like raisins and anjeer which can spike the blood sugar levels. Also know about the list of dry fruits for diabetics to eat.
• Grated dark chocolate also makes an excellent topping for your smoothies, porridge, and yogurt. Also read about benefits of dates for diabetes.

Benefits of Amul Dark Chocolate in Diabetes

It is always emphasized that people with diabetes should not consume sweets or chocolates. But Amul's sugar-free dark chocolate ingredients can also change this notion and offer benefits in the long run. Amul dark chocolate benefits are as follows:

1) Insulin Sensitivity

Flavonoids or antioxidants present in cocoa or dark chocolate help our body cells synthesize and function insulin. The efficiency of insulin is improved, making them sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels.

2) Blood Cholesterol Levels

Polyphenols and theobromine, Amul sugar-free dark chocolate ingredients, work to lower the Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) or the bad cholesterol levels and improve levels of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol. HDL helps to maintain the integrity of the heart and blood vessels.

3) Blood Pressure

Dark chocolate enhances blood flow within the body, thus maintaining the pressure in the blood vessels. Blood pressure is better controlled under circumstances of distress or when you are doing some potentially stressful activity.

4) Antioxidant Function

Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants. The primary function of antioxidants is to destroy or neutralize the free oxygen radicals circulating inside the body. This helps lower inflammation in tissues and also contributes to delaying the natural aging process.

5) Immunity

As a powerful antioxidant, dark chocolate helps reduce inflammation, thus improving your immunity against harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. Individuals with diabetes are at the greatest advantage. Dark chocolate helps in decreasing chronic inflammation found in chronic diabetes.

6) Brain and Mental Health

Compounds present in dark chocolate help in improving symptoms of depression by stimulating the production of happy hormones. Memory is enhanced and significantly helps people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

7) Skin Protection

One of the other Amul dark chocolate benefits includes skin protection. The bioactive compound called flavonoids that are present in dark chocolate is what helps in boosting skin hydration, reduces the UV damage by the sun, and promotes blood flow. Studies have shown that regular consumption of dark chocolate might increase the Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED), as a result, your skin is more shielded from the sun.

8) Very Nourishing

If you get premium dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, it is very nourishing. It is rich in minerals and has a fair level of soluble fibre. However, since it is a calorie-dense food item, it’s recommended to be consumed in moderation.

Dark Chocolate Checklist for Diabetes

1. Cocoa Content

The greater the cocoa content, the more beneficial it is for diabetes since the sugar and fat content reduces substantially. 70-90% is preferable.

2. Way of Consumption

Dark chocolate is consumed as it is the best form of consumption, but some individuals like to indulge in chocolate sweets and desserts. You should avoid added sugar and sugary dried fruits while preparing desserts.

3. Sugar-free Content

Amul sugar-free dark chocolate ingredients mentioned on the cover need to be carefully read and analyzed to ensure individuals with associated blood pressure and cholesterol issues do not do more damage to themselves.

Dark Chocolate: Risks of Overconsumption For Diabetes

Consuming too much dark chocolate might increase blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain. Not to forget one of the main ingredients present in cocoa powder is caffeine, so overconsumption may cause some typical symptoms like a quick heartbeat, increased frequency of urination, jitteriness, and anxiousness. In any case, diabetic people should completely avoid eating compound chocolate, because instead of cocoa butter, it contains vegetable oil which is very difficult for the diabetic people to digest. 

Is sugar free chocolates for diabetics good?

Sugar free chocolates for diabetics can be a fantastic choice for people who want to indulge in something sweet without having their blood sugar levels soar. Sugar-free chocolate can still deliver the luscious, delicious flavour of regular chocolate without the additional health dangers because it is made with artificial sweeteners rather than sugar. To be clear, sugar-free chocolate is not always a "healthy" food choice and should still be eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Dark chocolate sugar content

The sugar content of different types of chocolate varies. Compared to milk or white chocolate, dark chocolate, which has a high cocoa content, has a lot less sugar. The following table lists the sugar content in 10 g, or a typical serving, of chocolate.

Benefits Of Sugar-Free Chocolates

Sugar-free chocolate has emerged as a tantalizing option for individuals with diabetes, providing a delectable and guilt-free indulgence without compromising their health. With the ever-increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, the demand for diabetic-friendly alternatives has surged, prompting the development of innovative solutions. Sugar-free chocolate, crafted with a meticulous balance of flavors and the absence of refined sugars, presents a delightful treat that doesn't disrupt blood sugar levels. This delectable creation allows individuals with diabetes to savor the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate without compromising their dietary restrictions or sacrificing the pleasure of indulgence. Gone are the days when those with diabetes had to refrain from enjoying a piece of chocolate, as this revolutionary confectionery has successfully bridged the gap between health and indulgence.

Sugar-free chocolate is carefully crafted using alternative sweeteners, such as stevia, erythritol, or xylitol, which provide the desired sweetness without raising blood sugar levels. These natural sweeteners offer a low glycemic index, ensuring a slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream, which is particularly important for individuals with diabetes who must carefully monitor their sugar intake. Moreover, sugar-free chocolate is often combined with high-quality cocoa, known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. Cocoa has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mood, making sugar-free chocolate an even more enticing option for those looking to incorporate a touch of luxury into their diabetes management routine.

Furthermore, the advancements in sugar-free chocolate manufacturing have resulted in a vast array of flavors and textures to suit every discerning palate. From smooth and creamy milk chocolate to bold and robust dark chocolate, the options are aplenty, ensuring that individuals with diabetes can find their perfect match. Additionally, sugar-free chocolate is often adorned with a variety of delicious additions, such as nuts, fruits, or even hints of exotic spices, providing an added layer of complexity and indulgence.

Sugar-free chocolate can have several benefits for individuals with diabetes. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Blood sugar control: Traditional chocolate contains high amounts of sugar, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Sugar-free chocolate, on the other hand, is sweetened with sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or artificial sweeteners, which have minimal or no impact on blood sugar levels. This can help individuals with diabetes maintain better control over their blood glucose levels.

2. Reduced calorie intake: Sugar-free chocolate often has lower calorie content compared to regular chocolate. Since weight management is crucial for individuals with diabetes, consuming sugar-free chocolate can be a helpful option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake while still enjoying a sweet treat.

3. Carbohydrate management: Carbohydrates directly affect blood sugar levels. Sugar-free chocolate often contains fewer carbohydrates compared to traditional chocolate because it uses alternative sweeteners. By consuming sugar-free chocolate, individuals with diabetes can better manage their carbohydrate intake and avoid rapid blood sugar spikes.

4. Variety of flavors: Sugar-free chocolate is available in a wide range of flavors, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate varieties. This allows individuals with diabetes to have more options and enjoy different tastes while still adhering to their dietary requirements.

5. Satisfies sweet cravings: Many people with diabetes experience cravings for sweets. Sugar-free chocolate provides a way to satisfy these cravings without significantly impacting blood sugar levels. It can be a useful tool in managing cravings and preventing the consumption of higher-sugar treats.

It's important to note that while sugar-free chocolate can be a suitable option for individuals with diabetes, it should still be consumed in moderation. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the best approach to include sugar-free chocolate within a balanced diet plan.

Bottomline

Amul Dark Chocolate Sugar-free has the extraordinary ability to keep individuals with diabetes happy. Their 99% dark cocoa chocolate product is seen to be the healthiest of all other cocoa concoctions, thus ensuring individuals with diabetes do not have to stay away from chocolate.

FAQs

Can diabetic eat chocolate

There is a misconception regarding chocolate and diabetes. However, you should only consume chocolate in moderation and not too frequently. Avoid eating a lot at once because it can impact your blood sugar levels. Regular chocolate snacking may start to raise cholesterol levels and make weight management more challenging.

Does Amul Dark Chocolate Increase Blood Sugar?

Amul dark chocolate does not increase your blood sugar levels. Amul dark chocolate improves blood insulin sensitivity, thus helping control blood sugar levels. 

Can we eat Amul dark chocolate daily?

Yes. You can eat Amul dark chocolate every day in moderation. The recommended dose is 30-70 gms per day for diabetes and more as per preference in non-diabetics.

Which Amul Dark chocolate is best for health?

Amul dark chocolate with 99% cocoa is considered the best and the healthiest chocolate bar for its numerous benefits.

Is Amul Dark Chocolate 70% cocoa?

Yes. Amul dark chocolate is 70% cocoa but comes in different cocoa percentages from 55% to 99%. You can choose your favorite dark chocolate as per your requirement.

Is Amul dark chocolate good for weight loss?

Yes, studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate in moderate amounts can increase the feeling of satiety and reduce sweet cravings. This supports weight loss. Remember to choose a dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.

What are the Amul dark chocolate calories?

Amul dark chocolate (100 grams) consist of total 521 calories.