Flavonols, which give cocoa its pungent taste, may promote health benefits. Flavonols are antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease. Chocolate may also have beneficial effects on mood. Stick to less than an ounce per day to reap the health benefits.
Antioxidants
Chocolate contains flavonoids, antioxidants that protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. They may help your body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to environmental contaminants, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells and may increase risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
Heart Health
Flavonols are the type of antioxidant found in chocolate. In addition to working as antioxidants, flavonols may have other positive effects on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, reducing the likelihood that blood platelets will clot and reducing cholesterol.
Mental Health
People with depression tend to eat more chocolate, possibly because of its mood-boosting benefits, according to a 2010 study in "Archives of Internal Medicine." Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in dark chocolate, increases brain levels of endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins are natural mood-boosters that diminish the perception of pain. Serotonin works to improve mood and give you that "satisfied" feeling from food.
Considerations
Flavonols are lost when chocolate is processed, so not all forms of chocolate contain many flavonols. Most major chocolate companies are searching for ways to keep the flavonols in their chocolate products. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder that has not undergone Dutch processing are preferable to milk chocolate, especially if the milk chocolate is high in fat and sugar. Watch out for extra ingredients, such as caramel, marshmallows and nuts. Keep portion sizes small. Antioxidants are found in other foods as well, such as apples, red wine, tea and onions. Don't drink milk with your chocolate, because it negates the antioxidant benefits.
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