Can Chocolate Really Be Good For You?

09/09/24

If you’re like me, you probably enjoy indulging in a chocolate treat now and then. However, you often hear people talking about chocolate’s potential negative health effects, and therefore you might be concerned about the consequences of overindulging.

However, the good news is research has shown that consuming dark chocolate and cocoa nibs (a chocolate alternative) in moderation can offer some health benefits

But are these benefits real?

Dark chocolate is derived from the seed of the cocoa tree, which means it contains antioxidants that offer various health advantages. Here are some of the top proven health benefits of consuming dark chocolate in moderation.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Dark chocolate has been found to enhance heart health in several ways.

Antioxidants in dark chocolate can help prevent inflammation and reduce platelet activity in blood clots, both of which are involved in heart disease.

Flavonoids, the antioxidant compounds in cocoa seeds, have been shown to significantly increase blood antioxidant levels when consumed in flavanol-rich foods (like dark chocolate).

Reduced Stress Levels

One study confirmed that chocolate can reduce stress levels. After 14 days of moderate dark chocolate consumption, people with high anxiety levels before the trial experienced reduced stress compared to controls.

It’s believed that dark chocolate reduces stress by promoting the calming neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that people who eat dark chocolate have better blood sugar levels.

Insulin helps tissues remove sugars from the blood and store them as glycogen and fat. Insulin activity depends on nitric oxide concentrations in the blood. Higher nitric oxide levels mean better insulin activity.

Flavonoids have been shown to increase nitric oxide concentrations, which can help reduce insulin resistance and, therefore, type II diabetes. Other studies have indicated that blood sugar levels are lower and more stable with dark chocolate consumption.

Moderate consumption of dark chocolate can benefit your health in various ways. However, too much chocolate can negate these benefits and harm your health. It’s also important to choose high-quality dark chocolate for its superior ingredients and greater health benefits. As with almost everything in life, it's all about balance and moderation.

When choosing your chocolate treat, opt for a higher cocoa percentage to enjoy the health benefits of dark chocolate and be mindful of the recommended portion size. 

 

 

1. Serafini, M., Bugianesi, R., Maiani, G., Valtuena, S., De Santis, S. and Crozier, A., 2003. Plasma antioxidants from chocolate. Nature, 424(6952), pp.1013-1013.
2. Martin, F.P.J., Rezzi, S., Peré-Trepat, E., Kamlage, B., Collino, S., Leibold, E., Kastler, J., Rein, D., Fay, L.B. and Kochhar, S., 2009. Metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress-related metabolism in free-living subjects. Journal of proteome research, 8(12), pp.5568-5579.
3. Grassi, D., Lippi, C., Necozione, S., Desideri, G. and Ferri, C., 2005. Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 81(3), pp.611-614.