Clean Label Chocolate: How to Choose Chocolate That’s Good for You

What happens when the pursuit of healthier chocolate misses the mark?  During this season one finale of Heal Me with Chocolate, I’m going to walk through the story of a big chocolate company’s attempt to make a better bar, what went wrong, and why so many people searching for something good end up…

When Chocolate Lies: Exposing the Sweet Myths in the Health Aisle

Can you really trust the label on your chocolate bar? You know, many people see words like "organic," "dark chocolate," or "keto friendly" and assume they're making a healthy choice. What if I told you that lecithins and fillers do more harm than you think? That sugar free chocolate might still spi…

Chocolate with a Conscience: How to Choose Clean Chocolate AND Support Rainforests

Where does your chocolate come from? What do ethical farming, healthy soil, and trusted suppliers mean for the chocolate I eat every day?  In this episode, I'm sharing: Why ethical cacao sourcing matters for farms, people, and the planet How ancient traditions and soil practices shape every bite W…

Chocolate O’Clock: The Ideal Times to Indulge for Wellness

Is there a right time to eat chocolate, or does it really matter?  People often believe chocolate is just for dessert or a special treat, but I found that timing your chocolate can change your energy, focus, and even your sleep. On today’s episode, I’ll talk through: What happens when you eat choc…

Sugar-Free Chocolate Smackdown: Natural Sweeteners and Their Health Impact

Have you ever picked up a sugar-free chocolate bar and wondered what really goes into it? Maybe you have seen stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol on the label, but you are not sure what each one means for taste, for your blood sugar, or even for your stomach. In this episode, I’m breaking down what t…

Chocolate as Medicine: Science-Backed Reasons to Savor Every Bite

How does chocolate affect heart health, brain function, mood, and immunity? Dr. Beata Lerman explains the effects of minimally processed dark chocolate on the body. She describes flavonoids like epicacin, magnesium, and theobromin as key compounds in cacao. These components help relax blood vessel…

The Health Benefits of Functional Chocolate: Boost Your Mood and Body

What makes functional chocolate different from the regular chocolate most people eat? Dr. Beata Lerman breaks down the concept of functional chocolate, which falls under the broader category of functional foods. Functional chocolate uses premium cacao that is minimally processed and often grown in…

Is Sugar-Free Chocolate Really Sugar-Free? Understanding Labels & Ingredients

How can chocolate lovers truly know if their sugar free treats are as guilt-free as they hope? Dr. Beata Lerman breaks down what “sugar free” really means on chocolate labels, highlighting hidden sugars and explaining glycemic impact. Many products use sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or even high glyc…

Believe Your Eyes: Cutting Through Sweetener Myths and Insulin Spikes

How can we truly know which nutrition advice to trust in a world of conflicting opinions and influencers? Dr. Beata Lerman challenges listeners to "believe your eyes" rather than blindly follow experts, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and continuous glucose monitoring. She disman…

Red 40, Yellow 5, and the Secret Life of Your Food’s Colors

Why do foods in the U.S. still contain artificial colorings banned in much of the world? Dr. Beata Lerman explores the history and health impacts of food dyes derived from petroleum and other sources, linking them to issues like ADHD, allergies, and even cancer. While many countries prohibit these…