Chocolate Might Just Be the Perfect Food

Four-year-old Lucy’s eyes widened as she and her mom stepped into the candy store. The little girl’s senses were delightfully overwhelmed as she inhaled the sugary sweetness wafting through the shop and gazed upon the colorful displays of candies and chocolates. Lucy likes chocolate—milk chocolate—and her mouth watered. The extensive selection was carefully considered before she chose her treats.

We all know that we need to eat a balanced diet that includes protein, grains and a lot of fruits and vegetables. We also know that a moderate amount of junk food is ok sometimes, but too much can lead to long-term health problems. One food that is a temptation for many of us is chocolate. Did you know that if you opt for a higher cocoa content, you might actually improve your health when you eat this tasty treat?

What is Chocolate?

Chocolate is made from the cacao plant, which is high in fiber, minerals that include iron, magnesium and zinc, and compounds known as flavonoids. The cacao is processed into cocoa to improve its naturally bitter flavor and this causes it to lose some of its beneficial properties. The cocoa is then used to make chocolate.

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

Dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa is an excellent source of antioxidants, trace minerals and it has compounds that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage.

Heart Health

Antioxidants lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation and accordingly, reduce the risk of clotting while increasing blood circulation. This lowers the chance of developing health problems associated with heart disease.

Diabetes

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are caused by insulin resistance—when the body’s cells don’t respond to the hormone insulin which in turn leads to high levels of blood glucose. In studies, the regular consumption of cocoa led to increased insulin sensitivity, which could prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

Brain Health

There may be a link between consuming chocolate and preventing neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia. Early research seems to suggest that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may support neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to create new synaptic connections following injury.

Sun Protection

Dark chocolate contains specific types of antioxidants—catechins and phenols—that protect against sunburn and skin cancer. Also, the flavonoids can improve blood flow to the skin thus increasing skin density and hydration.

Stress

The consumption of dark chocolate may also help lower stress levels. Research shows that after eating cocoa individuals had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This may be linked to the heart health benefits since stress can be a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease.

More research is necessary to have an in-depth understanding of the benefits of dark chocolate and how much should be consumed to experience the greatest benefit. However, studies are indicating that there are incredible benefits associated with eating dark chocolate.

Keep in mind that cocoa does have caffeine—although when consumed in moderation, less than a cup of coffee—and for some people this can cause migraines or acid reflux. It is also important to remember that dark chocolate can be high in fat, sugar and calories so read the nutrition information and always enjoy in moderation.

The fun outing brought joy to Natalie as she watched her daughter Lucy make her careful choices from the wide array of confections. The overly sweet occasional treats that the four-year-old chose no longer appeal to her mom. Instead, Natalie selected a small bar of dark chocolate. This will satisfy her cravings while also being a healthier option.