Last Updated on April 4, 2024
The Power of Dark Chocolate
Eating dark chocolate improves heart health, increases insulin sensitivity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have documented these benefits and are now exploring why these effects occur.
Research participants ate between 8-20 grams of dark chocolate daily. That is equal to two small squares. It’s important to remember that the research being performed is being conducted on dark chocolate, not milk chocolate, and that the chocolate has been only slightly sweetened. Milk chocolate has a higher sugar content and will not confer the same health benefits.
Gut bacteria In the large intestine breaks down the fiber and the antioxidants in the chocolate and converts them into chemicals called flavanols. These flavanols are absorbed in the blood stream where they reduce inflammation and improve circulation, both of which improve our overall cardiovascular health.
Researchers discovered that people eating 8 grams of dark chocolate daily, one small square, had an obvious improvement in cardiovascular function and a 14% – 23% increase in arterial flow. Increased arterial flow is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular risk.
Enjoy a small piece of high quality chocolate everyday. Its good for you!