Latest news with #darkchocolate
Fox News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Mom's unexpected secret chili ingredient leaves millions of TikTok viewers divided: 'Absolutely not'
A mother's chili secret has gone viral in a TikTok video that has some loving the added ingredient while others are in disbelief. The video was posted by the Hnieno Fam, a family-oriented TikTok account centered on a London mother and a father of two. Jade Hnieno, the mom of the family, shared the video last month, revealing the mysterious addition: a square of dark chocolate added directly to the pot. "Secret ingredient to make the best chili," she captioned the video. The video, which has been viewed over 6.4 million times, was met with both intrigue and disgust. "Absolutely not," one person wrote. "No," another said bluntly. Others defended the little-known ingredient, sharing their own unusual tips for incorporating dark chocolate. "Although chili and mole are different in terms of ingredients and cultural origin, both are usually added with dark chocolate to enhance their flavor experience." "I worked for a small-town chocolate brand for a while and THIS was our key ingredient for a chili cook-off," one person said. "It's so good." "Also works in a bolognese sauce," a second person wrote. "I'm Mexican and yes, it is very normal to use dark chocolate in chili," another said. "We literally use it to make mole." A different TikToker revealed, "I like to cook some cocoa powder with the tomato paste in the beginning and deglaze with a Coke." The mother behind the account, Jade Hnieno, told Fox News Digital her family really enjoyed the chili. "We had it with baked potato and sour cream, our favorite way to have chili," she said. "I think the chocolate enhances the flavor by adding depth and richness to the dish, balancing out the acidity from the tomatoes and peppers." Science appears to support her reasoning. Fox News Digital spoke with food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., about how chocolate can enrich the dish. Le, who is based in California and works for Mendocino Food Consulting, said the fat compounds in dark chocolate help soften the spicy punch of capsaicin. "Due to its higher cocoa solids, flavonols and fat content compared to other grades, unsweetened, high-percentage dark chocolates are recommended." "On the other hand, the bitterness of chocolates due to compounds like flavonols, phenolics and other non-polyphenols effectively balances the bright sourness of tomatoes due to citric and malic acids, making the umami taste more prominent," he said. "Although chili and mole are different in terms of ingredients and cultural origin, both are usually added with dark chocolate to enhance their flavor experience." The cuisine expert also noted that mixing chocolate and chili peppers dates back to the Mayan and Aztec empires. "One of the earliest evidence of mixing chocolate and chili peppers dates back to the 15th century [when] Olmec, Maya and Aztec consumed hot chocolate with chili peppers due to [their] medicinal purposes and ritual traditions," he said. But if you have a spare white or milk chocolate bar in your pantry, the food scientist recommends keeping it out of your chili. "Due to its higher cocoa solids, flavonols and fat content compared to other grades, unsweetened, high-percentage dark chocolates are recommended," Le advised.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Viral chili recipe sparks debate over unexpected secret ingredient
A London mother's chili recipe featuring dark chocolate went viral on TikTok, sparking debate among viewers about the unusual addition to the dish.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is chocolate good for you?
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Monday is World Chocolate Day, so it's the perfect time to indulge and ask: Is dark chocolate really a health food or just wishful thinking? 'When we think about cocoa, or chocolate itself, it's really the components of the chocolate that are really conferring a potential benefit,' Dr. David Rzeszutko, vice president of Medical and Clinical Operations at Priority Health, said. He explained that chocolate has polyphenols, which are found in plants and give them color, taste and texture. They have some potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cardiovascular aging benefits. Chocolate can also have mental health benefits. 'When we're eating cocoa or taking in cocoa, it actually can affect our hormones as well as neurochemicals that give us both satiety as well as a sense of well-being,' he said. To get the potential benefits of chocolate, Rzeszutko said it's important to choose a high-cocoa content chocolate, like 70% to 90%, because that is where the polyphenols are found. 'Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is again going to have milk product and a lot of sugar in that. And then, white chocolate does not have any cocoa at all,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How dark chocolate can help you meet your fiber goals
Hello, everyone! When I say 'fiber,' you might think about prunes and whole grains. But experts say it also includes dark chocolate. Let me explain. Love dark chocolate? Keep eating it! Dietitian Wendy Lopez says cocoa is naturally rich in fiber. 'The higher the cocoa percentage, the more of the cocoa bean's outer layer — called the bran — is retained during processing,' she said. That bran, a form of insoluble fiber, can help support digestion and gut health, she said. Many Americans don't hit their recommended fiber intake — 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men per day — and while Lopez said dark chocolate shouldn't be a go-to source, it can be seen as a 'fiber-boosting flavor enhancer.' An ounce of 70% cacao can have 2-3 grams of fiber, while 100% cacao can have up to 7 grams. You'll really win when you pair it with foods that are also fiber-rich. Dark chocolate-covered raspberries, anyone?! [Self/Yahoo Life] What's your favorite chocolate pairing? Let me know. We'll be off the rest of this week for July 4. See you next Monday! About One Small Thing: One Small Thing is a daily health newsletter from Yahoo News.
Health Line
23-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
14 Health Foods That Taste Better Than Junk Foods
Some people believe healthy foods are tasteless and bland, but nothing could be further from the truth. Here are 14 delicious foods you can enjoy instead of the most commonly eaten junk foods. Strawberries Strawberries are exceptionally juicy and have a sweet, delicious flavor. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, and various antioxidants and plant compounds. One cup (144 grams) of whole strawberries contains 3 grams of fiber and as few as 46 calories. Eating strawberries has been linked to improved heart health, better blood sugar management, and cancer prevention. If you don't like them plain, try dipping the tip of the berry in some melted dark chocolate. Dark chocolate Many studies show that dark chocolate is incredibly healthy and may reduce your risk of several diseases. It's loaded with fiber and antioxidants, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Plant compounds in dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood pressure and brain function and protect against heart disease and the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. To reap the most health benefits, eat dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70–85%. Remember to eat dark chocolate in moderation because it is still a source of added sugar. A piece of dark chocolate is especially delicious when enjoyed with a good cup of coffee. Almonds Almonds are the ultimate crunchy treat. They're rich in heart-healthy fats, are very nutritious, and require no preparation. Almonds are packed with antioxidants and provide large amounts of fiber, protein, and several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. They may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol — all of which are risk factors for heart disease. They're also very filling due to being high in fat and calories. One study showed that an intake of 42.5 g/day of almonds significantly lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). At the same time, it's important to stay mindful of how many almonds you eat, especially if you are trying to stay within a certain daily calorie target. 42.5 g of almonds is about 1.5 oz, which is roughly about 35 whole almonds or 1/3rd cup, an acceptable portion size. If you're craving something sweet, try putting 2–3 almonds inside a date for a delicious treat. Pistachios These crunchy, salty nuts are absolutely mouthwatering. Pistachios are loaded with heart-healthy fats, high quality protein, and fiber. They're also good sources of B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Rich in powerful antioxidants, pistachios have been linked to health benefits, such as improved blood fats and reduced oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels. Pistachios are very filling and may aid weight maintenance when consumed in moderation. Just make sure not to eat too many of these at one time, as pistachios are very high in calories. A single cup (123 grams) of pistachios may have up to 700 calories. Cherries These deep red, beautiful berries are a delicious and healthy snack. Cherries are low in calories but high in nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. They also contain many antioxidants and plant compounds. Cherries provide nutrients that may protect against conditions like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Mangoes Mangoes are tropical fruits rich in soluble fiber, a wide range of antioxidants, vitamin A (from beta-carotene), and vitamin C. They're relatively low in calories and have glycemic index (GI) values ranging from low to medium, which means that they should not cause significant spikes in blood sugar levels. Mangoes are high in plant compounds and antioxidants that may reduce your risk of oxidative damage and many chronic diseases, including cancer. Fresh mangoes are simply delicious, and many people like to add them to breakfast porridges, smoothies, or yogurt. Avocados Avocados are an unusual fatty fruit with a smooth and creamy texture. They're packed with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, and are a great source of B vitamins, potassium, copper, and vitamins C, E, and K. Eating avocados is very beneficial for heart health. It may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 22% while raising HDL (good) cholesterol. Avocados are also very filling and don't raise blood sugar levels very much, making them a diabetes-friendly food. If you don't like your avocado plain, try adding some salt and pepper. If that doesn't do the trick, you can also create an avocado chocolate pudding by blending 1 small avocado, half a banana, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of dark cocoa. Just be aware that this pudding is relatively high in calories and should be reserved for special occasions. Popcorn Not many people know that popcorn is a whole grain. It's relatively low in calories and high in fiber. Whole grains may have numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They may also aid weight loss and maintenance. Be sure to avoid prepackaged popcorn varieties that contain large quantities of added ingredients like salt, butter, or caramel. The salt, fat, and added sugar can reduce the nutritional value of this otherwise excellent, weight-loss-friendly snack. Popcorn is healthiest when it's air-popped or prepared in a pan. Try adding some salt, butter, dark chocolate sprinkles, or cinnamon for a different flavor. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are very nutritious, high in fiber, and deliciously sweet. They're a great source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and provide decent amounts of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes also contain several antioxidants and may reduce oxidative damage, potentially reducing your risk of cancer. One white variety may also help moderate blood sugar levels. More human studies are needed to confirm these findings. Whether they're boiled, baked, or air-fried, sweet potatoes taste great and are especially delicious with herbs and spices. Hummus Few healthy dips are as delicious as hummus. It's made of mashed chickpeas, often mixed with garlic, sesame seed paste (tahini), olive oil, and lemon juice. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber and contain a good amount of various vitamins and minerals, including folate, thiamine, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, and copper. They may also improve blood sugar levels. A 2023 meta-analysis of 12 studies found that chickpeas are more effective at reducing blood sugar than other complex starchy foods like potatoes and wheat. Studies also indicate that chickpeas can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol — a risk factor for heart disease — and potentially improve digestive health. Yogurt Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that's both delicious and healthy. It contains high quality proteins and fats, as well as calcium and several vitamins. Eating yogurt has been associated with both improved bone health and reduced blood pressure. Certain types of yogurt — marketed as probiotic yogurt — contain active cultures of beneficial bacteria. These probiotic bacteria are linked to many health benefits, including improved cholesterol, immunity, digestion, and synthesis of various B and K vitamins in your digestive system. However, be sure to avoid yogurts with added sugar. Instead, buy plain yogurt and add some fruit, berries, or muesli for more flavor and a crunchy texture. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice because it has more protein, which helps promote fullness. Peanut butter Peanut butter is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids, protein, and fiber. It's also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, copper, manganese, vitamin E, phosphorus, and magnesium. Plus, peanuts are very rich in antioxidants, even more than some fruits. They're very filling, and despite being high in fat and calories, they are not linked to weight gain. In fact, they're associated with a reduced risk of obesity. However, some people find it hard not to eat too much peanut butter at a time. Try to moderate your portions to avoid excess calorie intake. If you tend to binge on peanut butter, it may be best to avoid it. Also, be sure to choose varieties without added sugar or oils. The ingredient list should only include peanuts and a small amount of salt. For a tasty snack, try adding peanut butter to apple slices, celery, or a banana.
