We all know that chocolate is delicious. But did you know that it can also be an effective energy source? That's right, chocolate can give you the boost you need to power through your day. It can also provide you with the specific nutrients that you need to “fuel your next adventure”
You may have heard the term "functional chocolate" before, but what does it actually mean? Unlike regular chocolate, which is purely for enjoyment, functional chocolate is simply chocolate that has been specifically designed to have additional benefits beyond just taste. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as adding vitamins, minerals, and/or superfoods, or even by formulating the recipe in a clever way (like we do at 7 Summits Snacks).
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for functional chocolate as people become more health-conscious. With the growing demand for food products providing solutions to your everyday struggles, why not incorporate something that is actually delicious for that emotional lift alongside your functional training.
So what types of functional chocolate are out there?
Chocolate with added vitamins or minerals: This type of functional chocolate may have direct and targeted vitamins and minerals added to it OR whole sources of vitamins and minerals, such as superfoods, in order to boost its nutritional value. We all know that having a few extra vitamins and minerals should contribute to your overall health. Choosing foods with higher sources of vitamins and minerals will amplify your diet working towards your dietary requirements.
Did you know that our Superfood Dark Chocolate bars (Everest and Aconcagua) provide a significant source of Iron in 1 serving ;-)
Specially formulated chocolate: Okay, so this can also include keto chocolate, but as we are a lover of the carbs, we will talk about why our Endurance Bar recipe is functional, and practical! Our 30g endurance bar and 80g superfood bar are NOT the same!
Our endurance bar is a functional chocolate - we add 3 KEY ingredients to make it so. This is literally our “secret sauce”:
1) Himalayan salt (see above for adding minerals).
2) Coconut Butter. This is a special ingredient in that it melts a little bit faster in your mouth than cocoa butter. This is for you folks out there who say “I can’t chew when I run or cycle”. The coconut butter allows you to squirrel away a peak of chocolate at a time in your cheek. As you continue to run or cycle, your energy will quietly melt away in your mouth without much effort allowing you to concentrate on moving forward (with the energy you need).
3) Honey - back to those carbs, carbs, carbs. Honey, a more natural sweetener and has both fructose and glucose in it bolstering the sucrose (glucose + fructose joined) you need to fuel your fire from the chocolate structure.. Honey being a liquid also keeps that endurance bar a bit softer, making it palatable in the winter and meltable in the mouth. Did you know we source our honey from Alberta?
And what are the benefits of functional chocolate?
There are many potential benefits of functional chocolate, depending on the exact ingredients and formulation. Some potential benefits include:
Stress relief: Functional chocolate can help to reduce stress levels thanks to its high levels of magnesium and antioxidants. These nutrients help to relax the body and mind, promoting a feeling of calmness. And with a powerhouse flavour, you can really be transported for that brief moment of escape whilst you savour the taste of your favourite chocolate bar
Brain health: The cocoa in functional chocolate contains flavonoids, which are known to improve blood flow to the brain and increase cognitive function. Flavonoids can also help to protect the brain against age-related decline. Add in the antioxidants found in superfoods such as goji berries, golden berries, and blueberries, and voila! You have a balanced melee of superfood ingredients an enriched form.
Our favourite→ Balanced Energy! Chocolate, having a mix of fat and carbohydrates, allows you to have a balanced stream of energy entering your system. The sugar and honey molecules are coated by the fat. As you digest the fat coating, the usable sugars are then released into your system and create the energy you need to be awesome! It’s recommended to have no more than 12g of fat per hour in an endurance race, which is right where we belong. And fat can be used as an energy source over time if you’re working in that Zone 1 or 2 heart rate land.
So, if you're looking for a delicious way to meet your health goals, functional chocolate may be the perfect source for you! By adding vitamins, minerals, or superfoods functional chocolate can provide you with a wide range of health benefits. OR, by choosing a consciously crafted, purposeful recipe, chocolate could just be that magic ingredient.