The cocoa bean is composed of more than 400 different phytochemicals, many of which confer health benefits in humans. Not all chocolate is beneficial, however. Most of the beneficial effects of chocolate have been attributed to the dark variety, and when consumed in amounts not exceeding a few ounces per day, according to Harvard Medical School. When selecting a chocolate treat, be sure that the first ingredient is either chocolate liquor or cocoa and not sugar.
Prevents Stroke Damage
Eating dark chocolate within 3.5 hours after experiencing a stroke may protect your brain from stroke-related injury, according to a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism." The study's researchers, led by Dr Sylvain Doré, associate professor from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, hope that the findings will lead to additional human research on stroke damage and age-related cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Eating 1 oz. of dark chocolate daily may decrease your blood pressure, according to a 2007 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." The researchers, led by Dirk Taubert from the University Hospital of Cologne, evaluated the health of participants after 1.5 years of daily dark chocolate consumption. Twenty percent of the participants who had high blood pressure before the trial had readings in a normal range afterward. The researchers credit polyphenols for the effects.
Improves Mood
Chocolate contains certain compounds that affect the mood, including phenylethylamine, serotonin, tryptophan and magnesium. These chemicals make people feel relaxed and uplifted. Chocolate cravings may be instigated by a need to feel less stressed and during periods of hormonal and mental imbalances, according to "Scientific American."
Lowers Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Consuming chocolate lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a 2006 study by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, led by Brian Buijsse and published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." The study found that out of a group of elderly Dutch men, those who ate the most chocolate -- approximately 4 g per day -- reduced their chances of acquiring cardiovascular disease by up to 50 percent.
References
- "Medical News Today": A Little Daily Dark Chocolate Reduces Blood Pressure, New Study
- "Medical News Today": Dark Chocolate Compound Could Protect Against Stroke Brain Injury
- "Scientific American": Are Food Cravings the Body's Way of Telling Us That We Are Lacking Certain Nutrients?
- "Scientific American": Cocoa Linked to Lower Risk of Disease
- Harvard Medical School: Chocolate and Your Health --- Guilty Pleasure or Terrific Treat?
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