The Benefits of Chocolate
5 Surprisingly Healthy Facts About Chocolate You Need to Know
Are you a chocolate fiend? Well not to worry, you’re not the only one! Statistically, in 2020, the average American ate 9.5 lbs of chocolate annually. That’s a lot of chocolate! We're here to provide you with five health-related reasons to enjoy more chocolate that will have you immediately searching “chocolate shop near me.”
Bet you didn’t know that cocoa contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods, which is a result of the flavanol in cocoa. Cocoa specifically contains flavan-3-0l, which if consumed can lower your risk of cardiometabolic diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Flavan-3-ol can also help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and reduce anxiety.
Read on to learn more about the health benefits of chocolate!
Chocolate Can Lower Cholesterol
A study posted in the National Library of Medicine found that consuming dark chocolate lowered cardiovascular risks due to elevated cholesterol. The flavanols found in cocoa, a natural compound found in fruits, veggies, and plants, has been proven to help reduce low-density lipoprotein, or “bad cholesterol.”
Chocolate Can Decrease Anxiety
Often dark chocolate contains large amounts of tryptophan and magnesium, which are both known to reduce stress. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid used to make proteins. After we consume tryptophan, our body converts some of it to 5-HTP and then into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Magnesium is an essential chemical that your body needs to function, and can help with leveling out your cortisol levels. Did someone say chocolate therapy?
Chocolate Can Improve Cognitive Function
An article posted in Harvard Health Publishing suggested that drinking chocolate with high amounts of flavonoids can increase brain function. Because flavan-3-ol can improve blood flow to the brain, participants who drank cocoa drinks with high amounts of flavan-3-ol scored higher on cognitive tests compared to those who didn’t consume high amounts of flavan-3-ol.
Chocolate Can Lower Blood Pressure
Flavanol-rich dark chocolate can also reduce blood pressure. Multiple studies have shown a correlation between consuming dark chocolate high in flavonoids and decreased blood pressure.
Chocolate Can Decrease Inflammation and Increase Immunity
Thanks to the flavanol, particularly in dark chocolate, you can also boost your immunity by consuming chocolate! Flavanol acts as an antioxidant and prevents inflammation and increases immunity, reducing your risk of diseases.
“Chocolate is the answer, who cares what the question is.”
Now you have five more reasons to enjoy chocolate! We do recommend a healthy, balanced diet… and yup, that includes eating chocolate. From irresistible Dark Chocolate ROCA Bars to delectable Dark Chocolate ROCA Bites, we'll make sure you get a healthy dose of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate in your diet.
Celebrate World Chocolate Day with us on July 7!
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