Scientific research into chocolate is turning up some intriguing possibilities about its healthful nutrients, including improved immunity, greater longevity, and quicker recovery from intense exercise. Dark chocolate without unhealthy additives and sugar has been shown to lower the risk of cancer and stroke, and lowers blood pressure as effectively as antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables.
What Is It Good For?
Heart health
Moderate consumption protects the heart by thinning the blood in the same way as low-dose aspirin. Its beneficial flavanols protect artery walls and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Immune support
It has the same amount of antioxidants as the red wine. The chocolate support overall immunity and intestinal immunity by boosting the response of antibodies and T-helper cells (a type of blood cell that helps kickstart the immune response). It also strengthens the intestinal lining against invading microorganisms.
Eases coughs
One of the stimulants in cocoa, theobromine, has been shown to be more effective than codeine (a traditional cough suppressant) for soothing a sore throat.
Digestion
Studies show substances in dark chocolate help ease gastrointestinal upsets.
How Do I Get The Best From It?
Choose organic
Opt for an organic cocoa, because at least 30 pesticides are used in the conventional cocoa.
Go dark
For the most antioxidants, choose semisweet or unsweetened chocolate. Good option is the one with at least 70 percent of cocoa solids and less sugar. Milk chocolate contains fewer antioxidants.
A little of the best
Eating a little high-quality chocolate will be far more satisfying than a highly processed bar. Avoid bars with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.
How Do I Use It?
Raw cacao nibs
The minimally processed nibs contain all the cocoa bean’s nutrients. Eat as they are or add to fruit salads or baking.
Hot cocoa
Milk inhibits the absorption of cocoa polyphenols. For this reason, mix 2 tbsp high-quality cocoa powder with hot water and drink in a demitasse cup as you would an espresso.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder has twice the level of antioxidant polyphenols as processed dark chocolate, and 4 times that of milk chocolate. The white chocolate contains no antioxidants.
Cocoa Beans
Catechin and epicatechin, the antioxidants found in cocoa beans and cocoa products, are the same as those that give green tea its anticancer properties.
Cacao Nibs
These are dried, roasted, and crushed cacao, or cocoa, beans, which are used to make chocolate. Like cocoa powder, the cacao nibs are high in antioxidants.
Dark Chocolate
Eat dark chocolate, because studies show that people who eat dark chocolate regularly have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
