Who doesn’t like chocolate?
While recent headlines, such as the one above, may have your adrenaline pumping to go eat that favourite decadent of yours, scientists are now finding that these “chocolate benefits” aren’t just found in any old chocolate; but actually only applies to dark chocolate (containing at least 70% cocoa). So no, that Kit Kat bar just isn’t going to miraculously lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Turns out, the main “star of the show” is really a compound called flavanol which is found in high concentrations in cocoa within dark chocolate (as dark chocolate also happens to contain the highest amount of cocoa among the 3 common types).
White, Milk and Dark chocolate by DGH Chocolatier (Flickr)
Cardiovascular disease
Based on in vitro experiments, it was found that consumption of dark chocolate increased plasma antioxidant capacity due to the presence of the catechol group on the B ring on the flavanol compound which helps to reduce oxidative stress, thereby reducing chances of cardiovascular dysfunction. The benefits don’t just end here!
Current results are now showing that cocoa flavanols along with the fat stearic acid found in cocoa butter within dark chocolate can even enhance antioxidant production, increase trace mineral intake and help to maintain vascular homeostasis.
Blood pressure and cholesterol
Research study lead by Dr. Robin Allen at the University of Illinois found that after regular consumption of cocoa flavanols (~180mg) for a period of 8 weeks, participants displayed reduction of 2% in cholesterol level and reduced systolic blood pressure by about 5.8mm Hg.
Improvements in skin texture
According to a study conducted at the Institute for Dermatological Experiment at the Witten-Herdecke University in Germany, in which 2 groups of women were placed randomly into either a high cocoa flavanol treatment or a low one for a period of 12 weeks. Results showed improvements in dermal blood circulation which also help reduce skin roughness.
So what are you waiting for?
– Megan Nien-I Lin –