Health Benefits of Chocolate

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The health benefits of chocolate!

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Before we get into detail, I am referring to cocoa contents found in dark chocolate and cocoa powders (70% or higher cocoa content), not milk or white chocolate. Generally speaking, there are two compounds in cocoa that have the mot positive effects on the human body; theobromine and catechin (-/-epicatechin).

 

Theobromine:

  • Dilates blood vessels to lower blood pressure (although may cause increased heart rate)

  • Works as a cough suppressant comparable to codeine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15548587)

  • Aids in the treatment of asthma, as it relaxes smooth muscles in the bronchi

  • The “toxic” ingredient in chocolate that is harmful to dogs, so NEVER feed your dog chocolate, especially dark chocolate (dogs and cats cannot process theobromine as fast as humans, causing toxicity)

  • Currently being patented for use in treating liver, stomach and colon cancer by inhibiting cell growth (Patent submission)

 

Catechin:

  • Increases production of nitrous oxide (NO), which in turn decreases blood pressure and improves blood flow to the brain

  • Better oxygen transport in the blood throughout the body, potentially decreasing cognitive decline in older individuals (may slow dementia)

  • Improved insulin sensitivity, especially in muscle 

  • Improved energy use in muscles lending to heightened physical performance

 

These two compounds are found in higher concentrations in darker chocolate (higher cocoa content). 

For reference: 

  • Plain milk chocolate Hershey bar (1.5oz) 220 cal= 64 mg of theobromine and very little (if any) catechin. 

  • Hershey Special Dark bar (1.5oz) 190 cal = 174 mg of theobromine and a low dose of catechin.

  • 1.5 oz chocolate bar with 70% cocoa = 280 mg of theobromine and a standard dose of catechin.

 

Another great method of getting theobromine and catechin without the calories is adding unsweetened cocoa powder to your shakes or other snacks (oatmeal, protein bars, coffee, etc).
5 g (1 tablespoon/10 cal) of Hershey’s Unsweetened 100% Cocoa powder contains 100 mg of Theobromine!

Start using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and move your way towards to the dark side. Darker chocolate has less sugar and may taste bitter until you become used to it. 

 

As a rule of thumb: the darker the chocolate, the higher the cocoa content, the lower the sugar content, and the more health benefits.  This is not an excuse to eat all you want, but a small bar of dark chocolate after dinner or as a snack offers a great treat and a much better option than most desserts.