The Dark Side of Recent Findings About Dark Chocolate

Eating dark chocolate every day can lower your blood pressure. Eating oatmeal every day helps lower cholesterol. So does that mean eating a daily chocolate chip oatmeal cookie gives you the best of both worlds? Not exactly. The recently published study touting dark chocolate as having blood pressure lowering properties showed that daily enjoyment of a small amount of dark chocolate may reduce blood pressure by about 2 points, without negative changes in body weight or blood glucose or cholesterol levels, according to Reuters Health. However, the key phrase is "small amount." Study participants ate a 6 grams piece of chocolate - slightly more than one Hershey's Kiss - to get the benefit.

Eating for health
The widely publicized benefits of antioxidants and now blood pressure lowering components have dark chocolate quickly moving up the list of "It" foods. Anything that tastes so good and is good for you must have a catch, and dark chocolate does. In addition to healthy properties, dark chocolate has many calories.

The tempering news is that a little goes a long way and study researchers and nutritionists alike caution that weight gain counteracts any potential benefits of lowered blood pressure. Overindulgence "in the name of health" is counterproductive to any blood pressure lowering benefit because of the caloric count of dark chocolate. Regardless of however many caveats studies attach to findings about the health benefits of previously forbidden foods, the primary message the general public hears is that they have a free pass to eat up.

Everything in moderation
Chocolatiers are well aware of the information about the health benefits currently touted about the antioxidants in - and now blood pressuring lowering properties of - dark chocolate and have tailored their pitches to the public accordingly. Advertisement campaigns by Hershey's include "Smooth, rich, and good for you" and note that the bars contain "natural source of flavanol antioxidants." In much smaller print are the words "Like most indulgent treats, Cacao Reserve by Hershey's should be enjoyed in moderation."

Below is a caloric and sugar comparison of three popular and easily accessible dark chocolate bars.

Cacao Reserve by Hershey's 65% Cacao Extra Dark Chocolate
3 blocks (38 grams): 200 calories (fat cal 130) 12g sugar

Lindt Swiss Bittersweet Fine Dark Chocolate
12 blocks (40 grams): 210 calories (fat cal 110) 20g sugar

Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate
6 blocks (39.2 grams): 210 calories (fat cal 117) 19g sugar

Each of the above amounts represents "one serving" according to the manufacturers' packaging. One serving has more than three times the amount study participants ate to show lowered blood pressure.

Government health records indicate that consuming an extra 100 calories each day has potential to compound up to 10 pounds each year. As the study found, not much is needed to make a significant health different, while over-indulging will likely have a negative impact. Individuals concerned about lowering blood pressure would do better eating a banana than relying on dark chocolate. Unfortunately, a banana is not nearly as tempting.

Sources:

Reuters Health, Daily morsel of dark chocolate cuts blood pressure

Journal of the American Medical Association

CDC