Is Dark Chocolate a Health Food?
It might sound too good to be true, but recent studies have found that eating minimally processed chocolate, or dark chocolate, may actually be good for you. Researchers have found numerous health benefits associated with the cocoa beans which are used to make chocolate.
Raw cocoa and dark chocolate contain very high levels of antioxidants known as flavonoids. Two types of flavonoids, catechins and epicatechins, are found in dark chocolate which help boost chocolate’s antioxidant properties. Although these flavonoids are still being tested to better understand their ability to prevent illness, we already know that dark chocolate contains up to 4-times the amount of flavonoids found in green tea.
What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are chemicals that help prevent oxidation in our bodies and the production of free radicals. Although oxygen is essential to life, it is also a very reactive chemical that can cause cells in our body to deteriorate and lead to illness and disease. The nutrients (minerals and vitamins) and enzymes (proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in our body) we get from eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, teas, and cocoa beans play an essential role in defending our bodies against free radicals.
Some of the other possible health benefits of dark chocolate include:
- Improved digestion
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved cell functions
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved immune system
- Good heart health
Although chocolate contains antioxidants, which may offer health benefits, remember to enjoy dark chocolate in moderation. Don’t forget to enjoy other flavonoid-rich foods such as tea, berries, peanuts, fruits, and leafy vegetables.
