The power of good chocolate
Credit to Daniella Foster, director of corporate affairs and science communications for Mars Symbioscience
Besides coffee, chocolate is one of the most versatile beans cultivated in existence. Chocolate is well considered to be one of the most beloved foods in the world with an estimated 7.2 million tons worldwide consumed per year. Though it is a contemporary indulgence, the base of all chocolate, cacao, has enjoyed a centuries long reputation for a wide range of purported health benefits.
While you may think so, cocoa flavonols are not antioxidants. Early research made this conclusion but it has since been disproven. Cacao is so popular that hundreds of studies on its effectiveness are being conducted globally.
A significant direction of research indicates the consumption and absorption of cocoa flavanols increases our reserve of nitric oxide. This is a compound, naturally produced in the body, that tells blood vessels to relax, triggering the smooth flow of blood. The ability of blood vessels to relax in the cardiovascular system is scientifically recognized as a significant indicator of our health.
This doesn't mean chocolate is a cure all. It can compose part of a healthy diet but is not in and of itself considered a health food. The amount of cocoa flavonols in a chocolate bar can vary with the manufacturing process which can destroy a significant portion of those naturally present.
A high percentage of cacao resident in a dark chocolate bar is likely to contain more flavanols than a common milk chocolate bar. Any percentage given is not necessarily reliable. Unless the package gives you the amount of cocoa flavonol content, you have no indicator of the significant amount that can affect and enhance your health.
Remember that while chocolate tastes good, the credit goes to the cocoa flavonols. It is these wondrous compounds that research shows may actually be good for you.
Meantime you can't lose by enjoying the great taste of chocolate that so many here including me love so much!
Recent Comments
54
Great post. I LOVE chocolate but I had no idea about the science of it all. Very interesting, thank you.
-Heather
Ah! The BEST post ever! My favorite quote that I found online: I'd give up chocolate, but I'm afraid I'd have to replace it with murder.
By the way, related to your post recent research shows dark chocolate lowers blood pressure.
Excuse me while I go lower my blood pressure!
Total chocaholic here! Any sign that it may be good for me will send me to the cupboard for a tiny piece of dark chocolate--so here I go, thank you!
Janelle
I really love chocolate - the type with high cocoa percentage which is full of flavour and not too sinful. It can be a great motivator as well when you have a writer's block or just feel a bit down. So research must be right.
Thanks for sharing this, Michael, it's almost like eating my favourite chocolate.
Good afternoon Mike,
This is a yummy post! Every day I get a piece of 85% chocolate, for health reasons of course!
One can not keep the chocolate outside as the temperatures are high, the fridge is the best place for this treat.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
I discovered that long ago Taetske. I have sometimes had to settle for cookie or cake products that don't melt! :))
Good evening Cheryl,
I hope that by tomorrow evening the temperature has dropped a bit. We are going to the beach to a Santana concert.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
Evening Taetske,
That sounds good, a concert on the beach. I hope it does get a bit cooler for you, especially when you are going to be in among lots of people.
Have a great time and enjoy yourself. Remember there is always the sea if you get too hot lol. xxx
It starts at 22.00. Remember the song: Black Magic Woman?
I am sticky, will take a cold shower and am off to bed.
Adios, Taetske
I’m right there with you!
I eat my square of dark chocolate nearly every day, 72% cacao or higher for highest benefit and lower sugar.
Have a great Wednesday!
Kyle Ann
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I am dying for some chocolate right about now. Exhausted and at work and saw this --
On another note, this is a great post for my blog. Interested...?! PM me if you are.
Am I allowed to say that here?!
/a.
No problems Amy. The principle is to take the idea and work with the content. You can PM me if you wish!
Just did...!