7 Pleasantly Surprising Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has traditionally been viewed as a luxurious treat reserved for special occasions or moments of indulgence. However, its rich flavor can be misleading. Dark chocolate with 80 percent cacao or more is loaded with nutrients that bolster your body’s defense mechanisms and enhance overall health. Its exceptional benefits have earned it a place among the remarkable superfoods featured in my book, Eat to Beat Disease. Even if you're already convinced of its merits, let’s explore the delightful and unexpected advantages of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is beneficial for heart health, a fact supported by extensive research. Epidemiologists have consistently found that consuming foods rich in flavanols, powerful antioxidants present in dark chocolate, is linked to a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, dark chocolate positively influences gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful ones. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Reading in the UK involved 22 healthy participants who consumed a high-cocoa flavanol beverage over four weeks. The results were remarkable, showing a significant rise in good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, alongside a decrease in harmful Clostridium histolyticum, a bacterium associated with gangrene.
For those dealing with stress, dark chocolate offers a natural remedy by lowering anxiety and stress markers in the body. A study by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research tested the effects of daily consumption of a 74 percent dark chocolate bar on individuals with high anxiety. After two weeks, participants exhibited notably lower levels of cortisol and adrenaline in their urine, indicating reduced stress.
Dark chocolate also possesses antiangiogenic properties, meaning it can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. Scientists at the University of California, Davis discovered that procyanidins in cocoa effectively block signals that activate blood vessel cells. Interestingly, not all cocoa powders are equally effective; one sample demonstrated twice the antiangiogenic strength of another.
Additionally, dark chocolate acts as a stem cell-recruiting food. Your body relies on over 750,000 stem cells daily to regenerate itself. Research from the University of California, San Francisco, revealed that individuals who consumed a cocoa-based drink twice daily for thirty days had double the number of circulating stem cells compared to those who did not.
Consuming dark chocolate may also lower the risk of diabetes. While typical sweets laden with saturated fat and processed sugar are unhealthy, dark chocolate high in cocoa solids offers antioxidants that help control blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support stem cell function, all of which contribute to a decreased diabetes risk.
Furthermore, dark chocolate aids in DNA protection. Your DNA, the blueprint of your health, is vulnerable to damage throughout your life. Antioxidants in dark chocolate, such as flavanols and other polyphenols, help repair DNA and enhance your body’s ability to regenerate.
The health benefits of dark chocolate are truly impressive and exciting. However, it’s important to choose your chocolate wisely, as not all commercially available options are equally nutritious. Vosges Chocolate is a high-quality brand that I personally recommend. Aim for dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao and high flavonoid content. For more detailed information on the incredible health benefits of dark chocolate and other foods that can enhance your body’s healing capabilities, check out my book Eat to Beat Disease.
Update from William Li, on 2024-12-19Source