I'm willing to bet many of us think of chocolate as a treat, an indulgence that we can only eat small amounts of...or else. But the truth is, chocolate (dark chocolate, in particular), has been associated with a host of health benefits ranging from heart and brain health to blood sugar reduction and more.
In general, the darker the chocolate and higher the cocoa/cacao percentage, the more benefits you're likely to get. But any amount of chocolate can be beneficial.
I know what you're thinking. Chocolate is SO high in fat! Yes, it is. Chocolate is naturally a higher-fat food because of the fat content in the cocoa butter. But even thought it's high in fat, cocoa butter contains a higher amount of steric acid which has been shown that it does not raise LDL cholesterol but actually can lower it. Furthermore, steric acid is converted to oleic acid in the liver, which is considered a heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acid.
But the benefits go on. Here's why you can feel good about your chocolate habit.
1. Heart Health: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, especially flavanols, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting, lower LDL, raise HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and improve blood circulation to the heart, thereby decreasing the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation: Flavanols in dark chocolate may enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A study published in The British Medical Journal found that participants who consumed five or more servings of dark chocolate per week had a 21% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Brain Function: The consumption of dark chocolate has been linked to improved cognitive function. Flavanols can increase blood flow to the brain, potentially enhancing memory, reaction time, and visual-spatial awareness.
4. Antioxidant Properties and Oxidative Stress Reduction: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases.
5. Nutrient-Rich: High-quality dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa content) is a good source of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus, all of which contribute to overall health. And some chocolate is high in fiber, linked to heart health and digestive benefits.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Regular consumption of dark chocolate may reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for various chronic diseases.
7. Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains compounds like phenylethylamine, which can promote the release of endorphins and serotonin, potentially improving mood and alleviating symptoms of depression.
There's enough evidence to consider chocolate a "health food," but of course, choosing chocolate with low added sugar is crucial to retaining all the benefits above. Because, as we know, sugar has the opposite effect of every benefit above.
Opting for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher) maximizes the intake of beneficial flavonoids. With Oobli dark and milk chocolate, you don't even have to compromise. As the first protein-sweetened chocolate on the market, you can feel even better about your choice given all our chocolate has a mere 1g of added sugar and it's high in fiber.
