The Dark Side of Chocolate

Not everyone enjoys dark chocolate, but did you know it can be good for you? Some people consume dark chocolate for its health benefits, while others simply love indulging in its rich flavours.

You may have heard about the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate and its reputation for being a healthier choice. If you're a chocoholic who also values your health, this blog is for you.

But hold on! The idea of chocolate and health may seem contradictory to many. If you have doubts, don't worry. I'm here to change your perception and show you the true benefits of dark chocolate.

Let's clear up the confusion between cacao and cocoa once and for all. Cacao refers to the raw, unprocessed form of chocolate, while cocoa is a more processed version.

Both cacao and cocoa have health benefits, but it's best to opt for raw cacao or chocolate products with a high chocolate liquor content. Raw cacao can be slightly bitter compared to cocoa.

Cacao pods are harvested from the Theobroma cacao tree. These pods are yellow and oval-shaped and contain white pulp and seeds. The seeds are fermented for a period of 36 hours to a week.

After fermentation, the seeds are dried under the sun, which can take up to a week. Once dried, the seeds are roasted using various methods to achieve the desired flavour profile.

The roasted seeds are then used to extract the nib, which is the centre of the bean. The nib is ground to produce an alcohol-free liquor. Cocoa butter, often found in cosmetic products, is extracted from this liquor.

After separating the cocoa butter, the remaining liquor is dried and ground into cocoa powder, used to make chocolates. The different flavours in chocolates result from the fermentation and roasting processes.

Many of us know dark chocolate contains antioxidants such as flavonols (a type of flavonoid) and polyphenols. These two are the driving force behind dark chocolate being all healthy.

The disease-fighting antioxidants help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. They assist in reducing internal inflammation in the body and protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. The free radical effect can be prevented or lessened by antioxidants.

Antioxidants lower the risk of clogged arteries while lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDL) also called bad cholesterol. It also aids in avoiding the potential risk of a heart attack or stroke.

While chocolate may not be ideally considered healthy for a diabetic person, it lowers the risk of insulin resistance in tu, reducingisk of diabetes. If you're curious about the effects of dark chocolate on diabetes, rest assured that enjoying a small piece of dark chocolate is unlikely to be harmful. Let's explore why!

People with diabetes are not strictly forbidden from having sweets, chocolates, or any other sugary foods. However, consumption of such foods by diabetics should be limited to a piece or two occasionally.

A diabetes diet should be low in fats, sugar, and salt and must include lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. This helps diabetics maintain their carbohydrate intake.

Dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids, typically between 85-100%, has a low glycemic index. The presence of fats and fibre in these dark chocolates slows down the digestion process. As a result, the rise in blood sugar levels after consuming such chocolates is not as significant as it would be with other sweetened chocolates with a lower cocoa solid content (below 85%).

In individuals with chronic diabetes, the condition can lead to oxidative stress, which weakens the body's ability to combat free radicals that contribute to inflammation and cell damage, such as in the case of gout.

For those who prefer chocolates with less bitterness than high cocoa solid dark chocolate, an alternative to consider is sugar-free chocolates. However, it is essential to note that even though they are sugar-free, these chocolates may not necessarily be low in calories and can have similar calorie content to other sweetened varieties. It is advisable to consume them in moderation, limiting the intake to a piece or two occasionally.

Now that dark chocolate has turned out to be good to eat once in a while for diabetics, I bet you must be wondering if it is any good for your heart.

Indeed, dark chocolate is good for your heart. How?

1. Dark chocolate improves blood flow
   As we learnt before, Polyphenols and Flavonols are the two antioxidants present in dark chocolate. These substances aid in the increased production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is one chemical that relaxes the blood vessels and improves the blood flow to the vital organs in the body.
   
   
2. Dark chocolate for stroke/heart attack
   Flavonoids (flavonol) in dark chocolate help lower the risk of clogged arteries by lowering the number of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) also called bad cholesterol. While it also makes the platelets in the blood less sticky, which otherwise can cause a heart attack or stroke.
   
   
3. Dark chocolate lowers cholesterol
   Research shows that the consumption of 45 grams of dark chocolate per week is beneficial for lowering cholesterol. The intake of dark chocolate increases the production of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or what we commonly call as good cholesterol. The increase in HDL is directly linked to a decrease in LDL or bad cholesterol.

Dark chocolate is a delightful and healthy dessert that has numerous health benefits. Dark chocolate's high cocoa content is a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect your body from oxidative stress and other health issues. It may also aid in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes. Try Moser Roth dark mint chocolate the next time you crave chocolate. Here's a link to a recipe for homemade dark chocolate that you might want to try.