Chocolate: A Treat for the Taste Buds and Your Health
Great news for chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate has been shown to provide several health benefits. Chocolate comes from the cacao bean, which is rich in plant-derived flavanols. Flavanols are a type of phytochemical; a bioactive chemical found in many plant foods. Phytochemicals are proven antioxidants, which means they help protect the body’s cells from damage. These phytochemicals are found in every bite of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate not only contains cacao, but other important nutrients. Those with higher amounts of cacao also contains fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and manganese; all of which are good for your health.
Dark chocolate with at least 70% or more cacao listed as the first ingredient is the healthiest choice because it has a lot of cacao and little added sugar. Some bars contain up to 95% cacao! The more cacao, the more health benefits. Milk and white chocolate may taste good, but they contain mostly sugar and little to no cacao. For this reason, it’s best to avoid them in the interest of your health.
Heart Healthy Food
Dark chocolate can be considered a heart-healthy food. The flavanols in cacao can lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise “good” HDL cholesterol which prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Along with vasodilator properties, these flavanols help blood flow easily through the body thus lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure. In addition, blood can flow easily to the brain increasing cognitive performance and reducing the risk of stroke.
Boost Memory
Some research suggests the flavanols found in cocoa may boost memory and brain function. A randomized, double-blind study published in Hypertension looked at ninety elderly participants with mild cognitive impairment. The study had participants drink a dairy-based cocoa flavanol mixture that contained various concentrations of cocoa. Other sources of flavanols were restricted in the diet of the participants. The study resulted in a better performance of working memory and higher cognitive scores in the participants who drank the mixture with the higher concentration rather than the lower concentration mixture. The higher and moderate concentration groups also showed improvement in insulin resistance and blood pressure levels compared to the group drinking the lower concentration.
Decreases Insulin Resistance
Despite chocolate’s reputation as being high in sugar and fat, dark chocolate has been found to benefit those with diabetes. Dark chocolate containing at least 70% cacao will not cause high spikes in blood sugar because it has a low glycemic index. Since the cacao flavanols can improve insulin resistance, they can help the body use insulin efficiently.
Improve Mood
Eating this treat in moderation can also improve your mood. Phenylethylamine is produced in the brain when you feel you are falling in love and releases endorphins that can make you feel happy. No surprise, this chemical is also found in dark chocolate.
There are many ways to include dark chocolate in your healthy eating plan. Make a small piece a daily treat if you have a sweet tooth and need a tasty snack. You can melt it and use it as a dip for apple, orange, and banana slices. That is one delicious, phytochemical packed fondue! Dark chocolate chips can also be used as a healthy topping for plain yogurt, or mixed into trail mix. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, making dark chocolate a part of your day is something that tastes good, and will make you feel good inside and out.