If you enjoy dark chocolate, the fact that it may provide health benefits may be enough to lift your mood. Medical research shows that consuming chocolate -- dark chocolate in particular -- may provide health advantages that go far beyond satisfying your sweet tooth. The reason for its effects lie in the flavanol content of dark chocolate. Flavanol is a type of substance found in plants that acts like a natural antioxidant.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
The evidence supporting dark chocolate and improvements in cardiovascular health is compelling. A study by the University of L'Aquila in Italy, published in the August 2005 issue of “Hypertension,” found that consumption of dark chocolate decreased systolic blood pressure, the top of your reading, by 7.7 to 11.9 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number of your reading, decreased by 5.0 to 8.5 mmHg.
Effects on Mood
Dark chocolate may also enhance your mood, giving you yet another reason to indulge. A study by the Institute of Noetic Sciences in California, published in the September-October 2007 issue of “Explore,” found that consumption of dark chocolate improved the mood of participants significantly after three days of consumption. These findings were supported by a study by Griffin Hospital in Connecticut, published in the June 2011 issue of “Antioxidant and Redox Signaling.” In addition to boosting mood, researchers found that consumption of chocolate improved cognitive function.
Considerations
The type of chocolate you consume plays a role in the degree to which you may detect these effects. A study by the Universita di Verona in Italy, published in the November 2009 issue of the “Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis,” found that dark chocolate was superior to milk chocolate in its health benefits. Researchers surmised that the presence of milk proteins may interfere with the absorption of flavonoids, the ingredients responsible for dark chocolate's effects.
Cautions
There are two primary concerns with consuming dark chocolate to improve your blood pressure and mood. A 100-g serving of dark chocolate contains 550 calories and nearly 19 g of saturated fat. Foods that are high in calories and fat can undo the health benefits that dark chocolate may offer. The second concern lies in its caffeine content. A 50-g chocolate bar can contain up to 63 mg of caffeine, which is comparable to cup of tea. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, consuming dark chocolate may worsen your symptoms. If you experience a headache or dizziness after consuming chocolate, cut back on your intake.
References
- "Hypertension"; Cocoa Reduces Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance and Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Hypertensives; D. Grassi, et al.; August 2005
- "Explore"; Effects of Intentionally Enhanced Chocolate on Mood; D. Radin, et al.; September-October 2007
- “Antioxidant and Redox Signaling"; Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease; D. Katz, et al.; June 2011
- “Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis"; Dark Chocolate: Consumption for Pleasure or Therapy?; G. Lippi, et al.; November 2009
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Laboratory
- Neuroscience for Kids: Effects of Caffeine on the Nervous System
