Weve all heard the reports that chocolate can be good for you. And remember that chocolate cant replace sunscreen and other forms of sun protection. And because it can be transformed into such a toothsome treasure, scientists seem rather motivated to study it. These nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. This naturally occurring compound was first discovered in 1841 and given its name in honor of the cacao plant, coined Theobroma cacao, a term derived from Greek that translates as food of the gods.. Yet, many of them did not differentiate between the type of chocolate consumed white and milk chocolate do not have the same benefits as dark (30, 31). Flavonoids help to reduce inflammation in your body. The quality, taste, and nutrition of cacao can differ drastically depending on where its grown and how its processed. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are taken to boost muscle growth and exercise performance. So while cocoa is a great source of polyphenols, not all products containing cocoa will provide the same benefits. Cocoa may exert some positive effects on mood and symptoms of depression by reducingstress levels and improving calmness, contentment and overall psychologicalwell-being. Available in capsule or powder form, each serving contains 500 milligrams (mg) of cocoa flavanols a level clinically proven to promote heart health.*. This study found it could even reduce some measures of age-related cognitive dysfunction. 7-8 ounces of dark chocolate or cocoa/baking chocolate, sweetened to taste with maple syrup; 1/2 cup of almond butter; 1 tablespoon of honey; 2 tablespoons of coconut flour; 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder; The Method: Using mini-muffin cups, line a muffin tin. While there is not a lot of clinical evidence for the topical use of cocoa products, they promoted skin regeneration and had antimicrobial activity in animal and cell-based studies [81, 82]. Protein bars offer a convenient way to boost your protein intake throughout the day. Try these nutritious substitutions, There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. 46.36 g . Several meta-analyses have shown intake of cocoa to be associated with reduced blood pressure and improved vascular function. It also helps to improve vision, increase energy, protect against sunburn, and cure diarrhea. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. Theres already a ton of research on cacaos many benefitsmost of it incredibly promising. Cacao is known to stimulate both the heart and nervous system. In your body, these minerals are used to support factors such as immunity (zinc), can help keep your bones and teeth healthy (phosphorus), and contribute to better sleep quality (magnesium). A review of studies revealed that eating chocolate 3 times per week lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 9% . Ecuador: +593 (0)2 322 7520, a one-ounce serving of cacao powder contains, decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, most people dont even know they have high blood pressure.High blood pressure can lead to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and more.So how can chocolate help prevent high blood pressure? Studies reveal that cocoa is rich in flavanols, which lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels and blood vessel function. Reduces the risk of blood clots Increases blood flow in arteries and the heart May improve mood and pleasure by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain Regular intake is associated with better cognitive performance in the elderly Contains a number of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium However, theres actually a science-backed reason why.Cacao stimulates the brain to release neurotransmitters, which can trigger emotions like euphoria. In another small trial on 9 asthmatic children, both theobromine and theophylline widened the airways [73]. A meta-analysis of 35 trials showed that those who consumed high amounts of flavanols saw a greater reduction in blood pressure than those who consumed little to no flavanols [25]. The antioxidants in cacao appear to be highly bioavailable, meaning our bodies absorb them incredibly well. Many are polyphenols, potent antioxidants that may help prevent illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Research shows a reduction in heart disease risk among those who consume a moderate amount of chocolate. After a regular diet that included epicatechin, the gene expression and protein levels of old mice resembled that of young mice, and their survival rate increased by a whopping 69%. Most of chocolate's beneficial substances are found in the solids, which contain more than 300 chemical compounds. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. A review of nine studies in 157,809 people found that higher chocolate consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart disease, stroke and death (9). ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains : 604 calories. )Mayans, regardless of social status, would drink cacao during religious and wedding ceremonies.It wasnt until the 16th century that Spaniards had the idea to add cane sugar and milk to the chocolate beverage. This a good thing since the clumping of platelets can lead to atherosclerosis or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a buildup of fat and cholesterol. A 2.5-tablespoon serving of 100% cacao powder provides you with about 50 mg of caffeine, or roughly half the amount of a cup of coffee. Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation, Best Dark Chocolate: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide, 14 Health Foods That May Not Be as Nutritious as You Thought. This effect was first noted in the cocoa-drinking island people of Central America, who had much lower blood pressure than their non-cocoa-drinking mainland relatives (3). However, these findings have not yet been clinically tested in humans, and its unclear if cocoa is safe to use with other anti-asthmatic drugs. The good news isnt over yet. Interest in chocolate has grown, owing to its physiological and potential health effects, such as regulation of blood pressure, insulin levels, vascular functions, oxidation processes, prebiotic effects, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. This may explain why eating cocoa daily appears to improve attention, verbal learning, and memory (17). Cocoa bran improved stool bulk similarly to wheat bulk in another trial on 25 healthy adults [59, 60]. However, one study in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure showed no effect, so take this with a grain of salt (8). However, too much stimulation can be a bad thing. Cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can eat. Further clinical research is warranted to clarify this potential health benefit. Cocoa is rich in magnesium. It was introduced to Europe by Spanish conquerors in the 16th century and quickly became popular as a health-promoting medicine. Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage. In a clinical trial on 32 children, using cocoa bean husk extract as a mouth rinse decreased plaque buildup by almost 50% and the levels of a microbe that causes cavities and gum disease (Streptococcus mutans) by almost 21% [70]. In another small trial on 12 people with multiple sclerosis, flavonoid-rich dark chocolate slightly reduced self-reported fatigue [69]. Some weak evidence suggests that it may help in healthy but not in diabetic people. Unsubscribe anytime. 10 benefits of eating cocoa and dark chocolate. Cocoa powder nutrition benefits include providing polyphenols, flavonoids, fiber, manganese, magnesium and fiber. Sign Up, Save 25% on every recurring order when you purchase 3 or more mixes. Heres a brief breakdown of cacaos rich and diverse nutritional profile: Cacao is the richest source of theobromine on the planet and the inspiration for the name theobromine itself. Read on to. Due to the antioxidant properties of polyphenols, consumption of cocoa may protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia as seen in cell-based studies [77]. Since cocoa powder is relatively rich in copper, it was effectively used to restore its deficiency in 27 people subjected to prolonged tube feeding [74, 75, 76]. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain. Raw cacao includes many amazing health benefits. Dark chocolate, specifically raw cacao, is super packed with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and unique properties that release special brain . According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is a silent killer because there are no obvious symptoms that indicate anything is wrong. It originated in the Americas and was brought to Europe with colonization. The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. If your chocolate has developed bloom, no need to . Required fields are marked *. These studies indicate a positive role of cocoa on brain health and possible positive effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. is a clickable link to peer-reviewed scientific studies. Yep, we said it. All of our content is written by scientists and people with a strong science background. You may use it as an add-on to your treatment regime if your doctor determines that it may be helpful in your case. Through its antioxidant properties, cocoas flavanols are the components most relevant to skin health. Another meta-analysis of 7 studies and almost 115,000 people associated dark chocolate consumption with an overall 37% reduction in heart disease rates. 2022 Your Super. Cacao contains theobromine, which stimulates the nervous system, relaxes muscles and dilates blood vessels. Further studies suggest that daily intake of cocoa flavanols can improve mental performance in people with and without mental impairments (15, 16, 17). Larger, more robust clinical trials are needed. 6 3) Raw chocolate Can Neutralize free radicals As a kid, he suffered from inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, and other issues that were poorly understood in both conventional and alternative medicine. Cocoa comes from roasted cacao seeds. Flavanols also slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which helps balance glucose levels in the body [8]. In one study, rats infected with oral bacteria that were given cocoa extract had a significant reduction in dental cavities, compared to those given only water (2). Cocoa contains many compounds that have antibacterial, anti-enzymatic and immune-stimulating properties that may contribute to its oral health effects. A diet rich in flavonoids (from dark chocolate, red apple, and green tea) as an add-on to blood pressure-lowering medication further improved blood pressure (and other heart disease risk parameters such as blood fat profile, obesity, and inflammation) in a clinical trial on 79 hypertensive people [22]. CACAO BENEFIT #5 - It can have anti-diabetic effects. CocoaVia Cardio Health dietary supplement, 10 Heart-Healthy Ingredient Substitutions, How to Lower Your Cholesterol: Rx, Lifestyle Changes, and More, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Cocoa can also be supplemented in capsules. Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease. This article takes a detailed look at red wine and its health effects. That said, most people agree that 85% is the sweet spot for extracting the most health benefits. But it may also contain high amounts of sugar and calories. There are also topical products with cocoa and cocoa butter. Though overconsumption of chocolate is certainly not good for blood sugar control, cocoa does, in fact, have some anti-diabetic effects. Although the results are promising, the evidence is insufficient to support the use of cocoa to promote skin health. In line with this, a meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials and 320 people found that dark chocolate reduced LDL cholesterol but had no major effects on HDL cholesterol and triglycerides [35]. Health Benefits of Raw Cacao Nibs. This means youll experience the most life-giving, love-inducing, possibly even age-defying benefits with 100% cacaothe true food of the gods.. Inside each pod, youll find white pulp surrounding 30-50 cacao seeds. Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants. Read this post to learn more about the health benefits of cocoa. ( 8) Advertisement Cocoa butter doesnt contain the polyphenols and, therefore, doesnt have the same potential health benefits as cocoa. SelfHacked has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed. Milk Chocolate: Which Is Better. Heres why. Beneficial bacteria that reside in the digestive tract ferment both the antioxidants and the fiber in chocolate. Everyone loves the taste of chocolate, but most people are unaware of its potential health benefits. Further, cocoa consumption may stimulate changes in redox-sensitive signaling pathways involved in gene expression and the immune response. And along with polyphenols, both work together to reduce the levels of glucose in the blood of obese-diabetic rats. Its also often treated with alkaline to reduce bitterness, which results in a 60% decrease in flavanol content (1). Its nutritious and easy to add to your diet in creative ways. Based on these studies, chocolate is considered rich in antioxidants. The exact amount of cocoa you should include in your diet to achieve health benefits is not clear. When LDL oxidizes, it sticks to the walls of arteries, which increases the risk of stroke or heart attack. The raw cocoa bean is one of the richest foods in antioxidants, 3 times . Cacao is also one of the richest sources of antioxidants on Earth. A February 2011 study published in Clinical Nutrition found that eating dark chocolate was associated with a decreased risk of plaque buildup in the heart. An April 2017 Cochrane review concluded that cocoa can also . This helps to reduce inflammation in the body, preventing chronic disease. Cocoa can improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol. But check with your doctor or dermatologist before forgoing your normal skin care routine in favor of more dark chocolate. It will also boost your mood and fight back against those pesky sugar cravings. A wide array of cacaos chemical compounds offer significant mood-enhancing properties, including theobromine, caffeine, phenylethylamine (otherwise known as the love drug), and some of the bodys own naturally occurring antidepressants like anandamide (whose name translates as bliss), tryptophan, and serotonin. Cacao contains more iron than cocoa powder. Cacao Heightens Meditation Cacao opens your heart, the gateway to hear your inner spirit and wisdom. Back to the benefits of cocoa, especially in its raw form but also valid for chocolate with +70% cocoa and quality. Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. High-flavanol cocoa reduced the skin sensitivity to UV-induced redness in 2 clinical trials on 54 healthy people. In a study in rats, cocoas catechins and epicatechins reduced brain cell damage and death [78]. 1. Moderate amounts are very healthy, but too much can have devastating effects. Non-dairy There is a growing body of research showing the heart health benefits of eating dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is particularly beneficial for your gut. The amount of antioxidants in cacao will vary significantly between batches, seasons, and growing regions. These fatty acids benefit your digestive system. The evidence is compelling. You may discuss with your doctor how to use cocoa to improve your antioxidant status. Studies have shown that MED can increase and even double after consuming high-flavanol dark chocolate or cocoa for 12 weeks (16). A cup of brewed cacao can help naturally suppress your appetite and promote weight loss. 3. A cocoa butter supplement reduced kidney damage (measured as creatinine levels) in rats [37]. Cocoa exerts its antioxidant properties due to flavanols, which decrease the production of free radicals and prevent oxidative damage [6]. It's probably both, in my opinion, although the polyphenols undoubtedly contribute more to the cause than the five grams or so of soluble fiber you'll get in the average serving of dark chocolate. Most experts believe improved blood flow is behind the positive impact of cocoa flavanols demonstrated in clinical trials. In fact, cocoa polyphenols have been found to provide significant benefits for your skin (2). t-cacao-classic White chocolate, however, contains only cocoa butter - no cocoa solids - combined with sugar and other ingredients. Also, note that a lot of the chocolate on the market is not nutritious. Cacao can be both energizing and calming, giving you the right balance of each, kind of like adaptogenic herbs. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. And whats the best way to eat cacao?In the words of Willy Wonka, come with me as we explore the chocolate-y deliciousness that is cacao! It may do one or all of these for you: Help prevent cancer Improve memory loss Improve your vision Boost your mood Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke Protect your nervous system Lower blood pressure DIY Real Chocolate Recipe All dark chocolate is not created equal! 5) All the Benefits of Dark Chocolate, But No Sugar. Its flavanols help protect the skin from sun damage. Two ounces of 70% dark chocolate contains about 50-60 mg caffeine. aged-origin. Also known as the bliss molecule, it binds to cannabinoid receptors and mimics the effects of THC the psychoactive molecule in cannabis. Cacao is also extremely rich in antioxidants.These antioxidants naturally protect the body from free radicals, which contribute to aging and disease. Antioxidants are the compounds that are believed to neutralize free radicals and protect the body from damage and disease. Of course, human studies are necessary to verify this potential, but thats reason enough for us to add a little more cacao to our daily routines. Cocoa contains antioxidant polyphenols, whose consumption can improve heart and blood vessel health, protect the brain, and improve skin health. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids and therefore has anti-oxidant properties. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. Flavanols can cross the blood-brain barrier and are involved in the biochemical pathways that produce neurons and important molecules for the function of your brain. In a clinical trial on 93 postmenopausal, diabetic women, dietary flavanols as an add-on to conventional therapy reduced insulin resistance and biomarkers of heart disease risk. Learn more about our giving back efforts and how you can join the movement. 4. In fact, research show a fairly drastic improvement. You should never use it as a replacement for approved medical therapies. In a small study, eating dark chocolate supplemented with the flavanol lycopene was found to significantly decrease levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides (11). Anti-inflammatory. This article contains scientific references. Because, same. May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, 4. The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure. Some forms of LDL cholesterol are more likely to oxidize, which happens if they react with free radicals in your body. In addition to improving your mood, research shows anandamide can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 100-200 milligrams of caffeine. Additionally, cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term (19). Cardiovascular Benefits. You might want to check out this guide on how to find the best dark chocolate. The fats consist mostly of oleic acid (a heart-healthy fat also found in olive oil), stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Researchers at the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition found cocoa flavanols can slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut, improve insulin secretion, reduce inflammation and stimulate the uptake of sugar out of the blood into the muscle. He strongly believes that scientific literacy is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid falling for scams. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lower inflammation may decrease your risk of some cancers, arthritis, diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. But the name may also come from the Spanish word tablear . The minimum amount of cacao for high quality dark chocolate is 70%. However, its important to remember that processing significantly reduces the number of flavanols, so the effects most likely will not be seen from the average chocolate bar. Cocoa also preserved cognitive decline in elderly adults by preserving white matter integrity and protecting a brain region whose decline is associated with memory impairment in (dentate gyrus) [44, 45, 46]. Since dark chocolate contains more cocoa than milk chocolate, it is thought to contain more health-promoting flavanols too. Is cacao really healthy? Flavonoids, mainly catechin and epicatechin, may play a role in brain health enhancing its function, creating new brain cells, and even reversing brain damage in conditions such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases [38, 39]. These compounds cross the blood-brain barrier and localize in areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning, which is where most neurodegeneration occurs [38]. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. Animal studies using a cocoa-rich diet or cocoa extracts have seen positive results in reducing breast, pancreatic, prostate, liver and colon cancer, as well as leukemia (32). Cacao Benefit #1: Supports A Positive Mood Chocolate lovers are probably already familiar with this benefit. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Remember that chocolate still contains significant quantities of sugar and fats, so if youre going to use it, stick to reasonable portion sizes and combine it with a healthy balanced diet. And unlike many other purported superfoods, theres an abundance of proof to back up that admittedly audacious statement. But for you chocolate lovers, we have good news! (22). Its packed with a wide range of polyphenols and flavanols and competes with superfood stars like goji berries and acai in its impressive antioxidant load. Studies show that 30 grams of dark chocolate is the optimal serving size to consume daily (which is around one ounce).. Below, we look into cacaos most magical ingredients and its potential to boost your brain, heart, and immune system; improve your gut, skin, and mood; and even combat chronic diseases. It's high in plant compounds called cocoa flavonoids, which have been shown in studies to have beneficial effects on heart disease risks, as well as on blood flow to the brain. What is Chocolate? Again, the evidence suggests that cocoa may help lower blood pressure. ( 7) Other studies have found that consuming around 25 g of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa content can help to keep your heart healthy. One of the greatest advantages of eating chocolate is its ability to fight free radicals, which are harmful compounds created by cellular processes in the body that can contribute to inflammation and chronic disease. In "spontaneously hypertensive" rats, cacao-derived soluble fiber lowered blood pressure, perhaps by reducing weight gain. However, dark chocolate only improved mood but had no effect on cognition in another trial on 72 middle-aged people [40, 41, 42, 43]. It found that cocoa produced a small but significant reduction of 2 mmHg in blood pressure. Heres a rough estimate of how much a one-ounce serving of cacao powder contains: These numbers are based on average commercial cocoa powders. CACAO BENEFIT #3 - It can lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. Red Wine vs White Wine: Which Is Healthier? Cocoa has been used in medicine and body rituals for centuries throughout the world. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 7085% cocoa contains (1): In addition, it has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Along with keeping your skin fresh and firm, cacao can delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases. To put that in perspective, females ages 19 to 50 require 18 milligrams of iron per day, and adult males need 8 . Dark chocolate may also contain less fat and sugar, but it is important to check the label. To sum up, the evidence suggests that cocoas polyphenols may be antioxidant in humans. Dark chocolate contains methylxanthines as well. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which have significant health benefits, includingreduced inflammation and improved cholesterol levels. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine. t-cacao-everyday Our highest-grade chocolate in beautiful, minimalistic packaging. The flavanols in cocoa have been shown to have promising anti-cancer properties intest-tube and animal studies, but data from human trials is lacking. Do you love chocolate? However, dark chocolate also contains sugar, which can have the opposite effect. That said, a 100% cacao powder will be quite the antioxidant powerhouse. If youre planning a beach vacation, consider enjoying some extra dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months. Nitric oxide signals the arteries to relax, which promotes normal blood pressure.Research also shows that consuming a small amount of dark chocolate every day can lower blood pressure in those with mild hypertension.While chocolate may help lower your risk of high blood pressure, following a heart healthy diet (especially rich in plants!) With several times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine, dark chocolate contains substances that may help to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, brain function, and the way your body deals with insulin . Cocoa products are associated with a lower weight, and the addition of cocoa to yourdiet may help achieve faster weight loss. Cocoa has long been used as a remedy for skin conditions such as burns and cuts. In addition, cacao and the dark chocolate made from this nutritious pod is also a source of zinc, which is . Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium and a few other minerals. Its possible that people who are already receiving treatment for high blood pressure may not get any additional benefit from adding cocoa flavanols to their diet. Theophylline helps your lungs dilate, your airways relax and decreases inflammation (39). Studies show that eating high flavanol cocoa can improve blood flow to the brain in young adults. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then its quite nutritious. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Despite these promising results, there are inconsistencies in the research with some studies finding only a limited effect, slightly worse control of diabetes or no effect at all (22, 24, 25). Cocoa has captivated the world for thousands of years and is a big part of modern cuisine in the form of chocolate. Another positive of so many antioxidants: it makes for a highly stable product with a long shelf life. There are over 300 nutrients and compounds in cacao, and while its tempting to expound on all of them, well spare you the geekery and reserve this space for some of its key players. Compared to other sources, dark chocolate has the highest amount of flavonoids (10-15 grams/kg) [91]. Studies show that dark chocolate can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease.. Amongst the loftiest claims in raw food culture is that raw cacao (without added sugar or dairy products) will reduce your risk of cancer as the high levels of antioxidants reduce the number of free radicals in the body. 1. It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidation-prone forms of LDL. Well, dark chocolate typically contains about 70% cacao. It supports cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and mediates the natural inflammatory response. However, make sure to use non-alkalized cocoa powder or dark chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa if you want to maximize health benefits. Because elementary diets can lead to deficiencies, follow your doctors instructions carefully. Have chocolate on the brain? 2 The essential fatty acids found in chocolate may help the body to raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. Results showed a significant decrease in blood pressure ( 26 ). In 3 clinical trials on over 100 healthy adults, acute consumption of cocoa improved working memory, spatial memory, and visual search efficiency. This amount has been found to have health benefits without too many negative effects like caffeine or sugar can cause.. Protects You From Heart Disease Cocoa is used to reduce weight gain, reduce fatigue, stimulate the nervous system, and improve digestive function, among others [1]. More clinical trials on larger populations are needed to confirm their preliminary findings. Research in humans does not always show the same range of antioxidant effects for chocolate. but is for informational and educational purposes alone. Basically, researchers set a bunch of free radicals (bad) against a sample of a food and see how well the antioxidants in the food can disarm the free radicals. SelfDecode is a personalized health report service, In a small study on 10 healthy volunteers and guinea pigs, cocoas theobromine reduced the nerve activation that causes coughing [72]. It will love you back or at least your heart.Multiple observational studies support that dark chocolate (which contains less sugar and no dairy products) can prevent heart disease: One of the many ways chocolate can protect the heart is by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (aka the bad cholesterol). Coffee, despite having been demonized in the past, is actually good for you. Although the evidence is limited, research suggests that dark chocolate may help improve mood. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Cacao contains fiber that bacteria eat to create fatty acid chains. Many of these support crucial body functions while offering powerful antioxidant properties, immune support, and protection against chronic diseases. Plus, you don't have to worry about it being . which enables users to obtain detailed information and reports based on their genome. In general, the healthier the land and simpler the process, the better. (How 21st century America of them!). Additionally, a study in senior men showed that eating chocolate was linked to improved overall health and better psychological well-being (21). Our team comprises of trained MDs, PhDs, pharmacists, qualified scientists, and certified health and wellness specialists. A study of 15 healthy people showed that the higher the concentration of flavanols, the greater the effect of cocoa on reducing blood pressure. Does Red Meat Have Health Benefits? Our T.cacao 100% organic cacao powder is the purest form of cacao you can feed your body. In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease. Food products like cacao nibs, chocolate bars, and hot chocolate all offer the same vitamins and minerals in different quantities. Three small trials cannot be considered sufficient evidence that cocoa reduces fatigue. Additionally, flavanols influence the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles of your blood vessels, improving blood flow and blood supply to your brain (12, 13). The polyphenols (the protective chemicals found in plant foods) have an aspirin-like effect and prevents the clumping of blood platelets. 5 Ways To Use Raw Organic Cacao. Cacao is also a rather fiber-rich food. Its thought that cocoa may help by regulating the use of energy, reducing appetite and inflammation and increasing fat oxidation and feelings of fullness (26, 27). Its safe to assume that minimally processed cacao thats been grown via sustainable practices will contain even more of these and other essential minerals. Health Benefits of Cacao. 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