antioxidants · dark chocolate · Nov 03, 2023

The Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is the luscious, velvety treat we secretly indulge in when seeking that little pick-me-up. But what if this guilty pleasure might not be so guilty after all? When savored in moderation, would you believe this decadent delight could be a part of your path to good health?

Dark chocolate has various benefits, making it more than a delicious indulgence. Once consumed as a fermented beverage mixed with spices or wine, dark chocolate has come a long way since its earliest discovery in 2000 BC. So, do we need to feel guilty for occasionally satisfying our dark chocolate cravings?

No, but even with its health benefits, there are some caveats. Let's dive into the science behind dark chocolate and discover why you should enjoy it in moderation.

How Is Dark Chocolate Good for You?

Researchers have been diving into dark chocolate to uncover its nutritional secrets and potential health benefits for years. We need to do more extensive studies to understand its nutritional composition and nutrient availability. Another study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that dark chocolate benefits total and LDL cholesterol.

While we have devoted considerable time to researching this sweet treat, there is still much to learn. That said, the health benefits we associate with dark chocolate aren’t the same for milk chocolate. Dark chocolate may help reduce snack consumption in mildly hypertensive adults.

Other research indicates that it could potentially improve:

Lipid profiles
Glycemia
Blood pressure in diabetic patients

These benefits don't mean you should start eating family-size packs of dark chocolate. But dark chocolate could offer unique health benefits when part of a nutritious diet.

Dark Chocolate Can Boost Your Mood

It's a universal truth that indulging in a piece of chocolate can bring a smile to your face. But did you know there's scientific evidence supporting the mood-enhancing benefits of dark chocolate? According to a study in the Journal of Nutritional Science, we can associate eating 85% cocoa dark chocolate with improved mood and pleasure.

That's right - your beloved dark chocolate does more than just satisfy your sweet tooth; it could also give your mood a much-needed lift. Dark chocolate doesn't just work wonders for your mental health; it also has links to cognitive function. Research suggests that cocoa flavonoids found in dark chocolate can improve cognitive function.

A study by Harvard Medical School found that eating dark chocolate with high flavanol content improved memory and reaction times in adults. So, the next time you feel a little low or need a brain boost, consider reaching for a piece of dark chocolate.

Good Source of Antioxidants

The sweet allure of dark chocolate isn't just about its delicious taste but also its health-boosting properties. Dark chocolate, particularly those with high cocoa content, is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells. These antioxidants include flavonoids and polyphenols, critical players in the fight against harmful free radicals in our bodies.

But why should we care about antioxidants? Well, they play a significant role in reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and lowering the risk of heart disease. In addition to being heart healthy, there are several other benefits like:

They contribute to lower sugar levels
Protect your skin from UV damage
Play a role in decreasing the risk of stroke

However, while it’s beneficial, we should eat chocolate in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. Let's go a bit deeper into the benefits of dark chocolate.

Additional Benefits for Your Skin

We often indulge in dark chocolate to satisfy our sweet tooth, but it can offer protection against UV rays. The rich antioxidant content in dark chocolate shields your skin from harmful UV exposure. Another source says that eating dark doesn’t lead to any protection, but does improve the elasticity of skin exposed to the sun.

However, the benefits of dark chocolate for skin health extend further. There's a reason you can find cocoa butter in many skin moisturizers. Aside from the antioxidants, dark chocolate has many nutrients and minerals necessary for good skin health.

Eating dark chocolate can improve your skin's appearance. However, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption. Lower-quality chocolate contains a lot of added butter, vegetable oils, and artificial colors and flavors. High-quality dark chocolate is a fantastic source of:

Zinc
Phosphorous
Copper
Magnesium
Iron

Cocoa is rich in many compounds, like flavonols, that are good for the human body and our immunity. Flavanols are an antioxidant in cocoa beans that improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow.

May Support Heart Health

Maintaining good heart health is a concern for many people, and with good reason. Dark chocolate can positively impact blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart. Being rich in flavonoids means dark chocolate is particularly good for blood flow and heart disease.

Flavonoids stimulate the arterial lining to produce nitric oxide, which signals the arteries to relax. Relaxed arteries reduce resistance to blood flow and lower blood pressure. Another small study reported an improvement in several important risk factors for heart disease, including protection against high cholesterol. Some forms of LDL cholesterol are more likely to oxidize due to free radicals.

The higher antioxidants in dark chocolate would protect the lipoproteins in the bloodstream and prevent oxidative damage. From what we've seen, many of the compounds in dark chocolate go a long way to protect us from free radical oxidation. After reviewing more studies on dark chocolate, eating it three times a week lowered the risk of heart disease by 9%. The long-term effects of eating chocolate still need more research.

Positive Effects on Blood Sugar Regulation

As we mentioned earlier, dark chocolate could regulate blood sugar regulation and reduce insulin resistance. With the high sugar content, one might expect the opposite. Dark chocolate with high polyphenol content can lower blood pressure and increase insulin sensitivity in hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance.

Dark chocolate can assist in managing blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin response. This is particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Moreover, dark chocolate can decrease overweight people's fasting blood glucose levels and blood pressure.

Dark chocolate significantly lowers insulin resistance, as indicated by HOMA-IR (a method of measuring insulin resistance). While all these results are promising, eating small amounts is still the best path forward.

Dark Chocolate Is Vegan

Did you know that most dark chocolate is naturally vegan? The main ingredient in dark chocolate is cacao beans, making it a plant-based and vegan-friendly option. A committed vegan or someone exploring plant-based protein alternatives can enjoy dark chocolate without straying from their diet.

Choosing vegan options like dark chocolate can contribute to overall health in several ways. For one, vegan or plant-based diets are often rich in fiber, which aids digestion and can help manage weight. Additionally, cocoa is a flavoring in other vegan products, like pea protein powders.

Everyone can enjoy the chocolate taste and get plant-based protein for building and fixing muscles. So, the next time you're looking for a vegan treat or a post-workout shake, consider reaching for some cocoa-infused protein powder.

Are There Drawbacks to Eating Dark Chocolate?

While dark chocolate has health benefits, it doesn't provide a green light for unrestricted consumption. Remember, moderation is crucial. The health benefits of dark chocolate come from its flavonoids, other antioxidants, and vitamins and nutrients. However, many dark chocolate brands in the market also contain added sugars and fats.

Eating dark chocolate excessively can lead to weight gain and associated health problems. Overeating dark chocolate can also lead to other health issues. Here's a list of potential pitfalls related to overeating dark chocolate:

High-Calorie Content: Dark chocolate is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if you’re not exercising regularly.

Excess Sugar: Chocolate brands, especially those with less cocoa, contain higher sugar content, which increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Caffeine Content: Dark chocolate contains caffeine, which can interfere with your sleep if consumed in large amounts or close to bedtime.

Potential Allergies: Some people may be allergic to ingredients in dark chocolate, leading to adverse reactions.

While dark chocolate can be part of a balanced diet, we can’t stress the importance of moderation.

Heavy Metals in Dark Chocolate

Indeed, it's not all goodness and positive feelings, mainly because of heavy metals. A study by Consumer Reports found traces of heavy metals, like lead and cadmium, in many popular dark chocolate brands. A report from As You Sow found that over 20 chocolate companies failed to warn their customers of the dangerous levels of heavy metals in their products.

These companies included brands like:

Hershey's
Godiva
Ghirardelli
Mars
Kroger
Trader Joe's

Why should we be concerned about heavy metals in our sweet treats? Well, the answer is relatively straightforward. Excessive heavy metals in our bodies can lead to a slew of health problems. Exposure to lead can harm the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system.

Cadmium is toxic to the kidneys and can weaken our bones. Removing sources of these heavy metals should fix the problem. Still, there isn't one source of heavy metals that can impact chocolate.

The answer lies in the cacao plant used to make chocolate. These plants often absorb heavy metals from the soil, air, and water, especially if there is pollution in the water. Our chocolate production techniques can also introduce heavy metals.

Companies ferment cacao beans in wooden boxes or dry them on the soil, which increases their contact with heavy metals. So, how can we satisfy our sweet tooth without the heavy metal hitchhikers? A helpful tip is to do some research into the sourcing of your chocolate.

Brands with sustainable farming and processing practices are more mindful of these contaminants. Specifically, you should look for product labels with:

Organic Certification
Fairtrade Certification
Rainforest Alliance Certification

These labels indicate the brand’s commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, including sourcing cocoa from clean environments. Opting for these brands helps you reduce the risk of ingesting harmful heavy metals, allowing you to enjoy your dark chocolate guilt-free.

The Bottom Line: Dark Chocolate Is Healthy in Moderation

Dark chocolate can be a pleasurable treat and a beneficial addition to a balanced diet. The decadent treat offers many notable health benefits with its rich content of essential minerals and antioxidants. However, the key to reaping these benefits is moderation and mindful consumption.

Remember that sweet indulgence has potential downsides, like high calories, sugars, and even the risk of heavy metals. Maintaining a healthy relationship with dark chocolate is about acknowledging these downsides and making conscious decisions. Opt for brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical sourcing practices to reduce potential risks.

Additionally, ensuring a balanced diet, complemented with proper hydration and supplements like those found at Reflect, supports total wellness. A little dark chocolate now and then doesn't just sweeten your day—it could also be good for your health.