As with a lot of other foods, you have the option to choose between organic and non-organic chocolate, but what’s the difference?  Chocolate has generally been considered a sinful indulgence but there are health benefits to this tasty treat when it’s properly processed.

Pure dark chocolate contains antioxidants which can help to prevent cancer and promote a healthy heart, but to get the most benefits from chocolate it’s best as unaltered as possible.  A lot of the chocolate you see on the shelves has so much sugar and extra additives it loses most of its nutritional value.

Pesticides

While non-organic chocolate can still be good for you if it’s made with fewer additives, organic chocolate starts the process off right by using cocoa beans that were grown without the use of pesticides.  Pesticide residue that gets into your food can have harmful effects which would negate the health benefits that come with eating chocolate.

Processing

The extra additives and sugar in chocolate are a big part of what gives chocolate its unhealthy reputation.  Organic chocolate will have less of these additives, though it is still important to check labels for additional refined sugar content.  Through processing antioxidant value may be lost and toxins may be introduced, but organic chocolate production generally uses healthier ingredients and methods.

Ethics

There is always a degree of ethical considerations to be given to organic food.  Eating organic chocolate may be a way to support the fair trade practices with South America where the beans are farmed or you may choose organic food and a greener, more environmental lifestyle.  For some people, knowing and approving of how their food was grown and processed holds a significant importance.

As with any organic food, a higher price must be paid for a more customized production method, but it will be your decision if this price is worth the quality of the chocolate you eat.  And while there are benefits to eating the right kinds of chocolate, it’s only good in moderation and too much may be bad for your health.