Chocolate: The Latest Health Food Craze

Chocolate is an energy-rich food, full of calories from sugar and fat, and delivering that oh-so-smooth umami texture. Although packed with calories, this wonder food, consumed in moderation, does appear to have numerous health benefits.

Flavonoids in Chocolate

Chocolate is made from the cacao bean, which, like many plants, contains flavonoids, a group of chemical pigments. These pigments provide color to many flowers and protect plants and their fruits from insect and microbial damage. And, in this case, what is good for plants, appears to also be good for people.

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

Flavonoids show evidence of anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity, as well as benefits to the circulatory system and glucose metabolism.

One of the most recent heart-healthy findings comes from a Swedish study showing that patients who reported regularly eating chocolate has a higher rate of survival after their first heart attack than did those patients who did not eat chocolate. In addition to benefiting the circulatory system, chocolate has also been found to decrease insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes).

What Kind of Chocolate Is the Healthiest?

Pure, unsweetened chocolate is where the health benefits reside; from the flavonoids found within the bitter brown cacao bean, not in the sugars added when the cacao is sweetened up. Munching on the standard Hershey bar is not a pathway to good health. The purer the dark chocolate, the healthier the treat.

Dark chocolate bars often have a percentage of cacao listed on the package. To get the most healthful bang for your buck, cultivate a liking for dark, bitter chocolate with a high percentage of cacao.

How Much Chocolate Is Required for Health Benefits?

The flavonoids in 1.75 ounces of dark chocolate, consumed daily, have been associated with a 4% improvement in blood flow and with as well as resulting reductions in blood pressure. Blood pressure has also been reduced, and insulin sensitivity increased, with the daily consumption of 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of dark chocolate containing high levels of polyphenol, a type of flavonoid.

Good Health Does Not Depend on How Much Chocolate You Eat

The presence of flavonoids in some foods is why the moderate consumption of wine and of tea have also been seeing so much health hype lately. But don't be duped by the attractive idea of substituting chocolate bars for carrot sticks. Good physical well being comes from eating a balanced diet full of fresh, whole foods and staying active. Although adding a moderate amount of flavonoid-containing foods to a balanced diet looks to be beneficial, it certainly won't undo an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle.

Sources

Grassi, D. ;Desideri, G.; et. Al. (2008). "Blood Pressure Is Reduced and Insulin Sensitivity Increased in Glucose-Intolerant, Hypertensive Subjects after 15 Days of Consuming High-Polyphenol Dark Chocolate." The Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 138, Iss.9, p.1671.

Janszky, K. J.; Mukamal, R.; et al. (2009). "Chocolate consumption and mortality following a first acute myocardial infarction: the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program." Journal of Internal Medicine, p248 (10).

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter. (Oct. 2008) "Can flavonoids live up to the hype? Many question marks, but chocolate, soy protein and green tea show heart benefits."

WebMD health News. "Dark Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure: Eating Dark Chocolate May Also Fight Heart Disease and Diabetes."

Yamamoto, Y and Richard B. (2001). "Therapeutic potential of inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in the treatment of inflammation and cancer." J. Clin. Invest. 107(2): 135-142.

* Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.