While chocolate may seem like a sugar-filled indulgence, the health benefits of dark chocolate have been well documented. At Cococlectic, a craft bean-to-bar chocolate subscription club, we know the value of dark chocolate. We offer only dark chocolate bars in our online chocolate shop and in most of our chocolate subscription boxes, but you can get either dark chocolate or a mix in our Gift Box subscription option.
Dark chocolate benefits abound. So what makes dark chocolate so good for you? The benefits of dark chocolate come from flavonoids, a type of polyphenol which is found naturally in fruits, vegetables and plant products (like chocolate). Other health benefits dark chocolate provides come from methylxanthine compounds, which are found in caffeine and theobromine, and minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate come from the treat’s high percentage of cocoa. Flavonoids and polyphenols have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and dark chocolate and cocoa have been found to have a higher value of antioxidants than any fruits besides blueberries and acai berries. Flavonoids also combat the presence of free radicals, which are natural byproducts caused by pollution or ultraviolet radiation and lead to chronic disease.
When it comes to heart health, the benefits of eating dark chocolate are plentiful. Free-radical scavenging properties found in flavonoids help blood vessels relax and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate can decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL “good” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can damage the lining of veins and arteries. Studies have shown that three to six one-ounce servings of chocolate a week can reduce the risk of heart failure by 18 percent and prevent atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by an irregular heartbeat.
Dark chocolate health benefits include reducing inflammation and stress in the body by decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Stress is a risk factor for heart disease, so this is another way dark chocolate has a positive impact on heart health.
The flavonoids found in dark chocolate can also lead to improved brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain. This protects your brain and actually improves memory, learning and attention span. It may also reduce the chance of developing neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Drinking two cups of hot chocolate rich in flavonoids can increase blood flow to the brain for up to three hours.
Dark chocolate can reduce the risk of diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), plant-based fats that boost metabolism, are found in dark chocolate and help reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer as well as support weight loss.
Other benefits of dark chocolate include enhancing vision, helping you sleep at night by increasing serotonin levels and improving blood flow to the skin and protecting it from sun damage.
Athletes can benefit from dark chocolate consumption because the epicatechin in dark chocolate increases the production of nitric oxide in the blood, which supports circulation and allows an athlete to maintain workout intensity longer.
At Cococlectic, we feature a different American small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate maker each month. These chocolate makers are passionate about their products and create their chocolate bars from scratch using only three main ingredients: cacao beans, sugar and cocoa butter. The chocolates we feature are vegan, non-GMO, fair-trade and ethically sourced. They do not contain any soy, gluten, dairy or nut, but they may be produced in a facility that handles these ingredients.
Sign up for a chocolate-of-the-month subscription club and join us for a free virtual chocolate tasting with our featured chocolate maker of the month.