Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk or butter found
in milk chocolate.
Dark chocolate without added sweetener is known as bitter chocolate or unsweetened chocolate.
Dark chocolate for Your Health
As for the other two main types of chocolate (milk and white), dark chocolate is used for chocolate bars or as a coating
in confectionery.
Dark chocolate for Your Health
Health benefits of Cocoa or Dark Chocolate
The percentage of cocoa, referred on the chocolate , refers to the percentage of all ingredients that the cacao plant makes up.
That means a dark chocolate product with a higher percentage of cocoa may have a larger amount of the nutrients that deliver
its benefits.
The beneficial compounds of Dark Chocolate
Flavanols
Polyphenols
Theobromine
Polyphenol compounds in Dark Chocolate processed into cocoa butter,
cocoa powder, and chocolate through the manufacturing processes.
Processing cocoa , reduces some of its most beneficial compounds but may also add sugar, milk, and
cocoa butter, a processed form of the cocoa bean.
The benefits of eating dark chocolate has properties
It may act as antioxidants.
Reducing free radicals
It may reduce high blood pressure.
It may have anti-inflammatory effects.
It may reduce bad cholesterol.
It may reduce heart disease.
It may enhance brain functions.
It may act as an anti-cancer agent.
Improving blood flow
Increasing microbiome diversity.
Antioxidants
Dark chocolate has flavanols and polyphenols contains antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress refers to imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the Human body,
which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and plays a role in the aging process.
Oxidative stress may also contribute to the development of a variety of diseases.
Heart disease
Diabetes
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Several types of Cancer
Eye disease
Heart disease risk
Regularly eating dark chocolate may help reduce a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease. Some of the compounds in
dark chocolate, specifically flavanols, affect two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Blood pressure
The flavanols present in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide causes
blood vessels to widen, improves blood flow and lowers Blood Pressure.
A Case study in 2015 investigated the effects of chocolate consumption in 60 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
The researchers found that participants who consumed 25 g of dark chocolate daily for 8 weeks had significantly lower blood pressure
than those who ate the same quantity of white chocolate.
Similarly in 2017 Source showed that the dark chocolate’s beneficial effects of on blood pressure might be more significant
in older people and those with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as opposed to younger, healthy individuals.
Cholesterol
Dark chocolate, has a compound called polyphenols and theobromine, which lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the body
and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Doctors often refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad cholesterol” and
HDL cholesterol as “good cholesterol.”
HDL cholesterol helps reduce the total amount of cholesterol in the blood but LDL cholesterol can narrow blood vessels.
Dark chocolate for Your Health
A case study in 2017 showed ,Adding almonds, dark chocolate, and cocoa to the typical American diet without exceeding caloric needs may
reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The combination, almonds and dark chocolate decreased the more damaging small, dense LDL
particles in participants.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune system, response to germs and other harmful substances.
However, chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissues and can increase the risk of some health conditions, like type 2 diabetes,
arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Dark chocolate contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Dark chocolate for Gut
Dark chocolate is particularly beneficial for your gut, promotes the growth of some of the gut’s “good” bacteria.
The cocoa in dark chocolate is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it has potential benefits
for your heart, brain, gut, and overall health.
Best dark chocolate to be consumes is at least 70 percent cacao solids or more.
Dark chocolate has several times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. And it contains substances that may
help lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels and brain function, and help your body deal with insulin.