Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate & Cocoa Products

A few bites of dark chocolate a day and you'll live forever—or so the researchers say. The key is not to over do it! Like everything – do it in moderation. Treat yourself to one square (a half ounce) of dark chocolate a day and you'll get potentially potent antioxidants, flavonoids that possess "a very good ability to clear free radicals and protect against inflammation, protecting your heart." Look for dark chocolate that is at least 60 to 70 percent cocoa. The Sweet Spot's dark chocolate is 72% cocoa and is lactose free, making it a very healthy treat!

Is Dark Chocolate Really Healthy?

Eating chocolate may actually be good for you according to recent studies. Research has found that raw or minimally processed cocoa contains flavonoids similar to those found in green tea. These preliminary studies have linked these antioxidants to health benefits such as:

• Decreasing blood pressure
• Improving circulation
• Lowering death rate from heart disease
• Improving function of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels
• Defending against destructive molecules called free radicals that trigger cancer, heart disease and stroke
• Improving digestion and stimulating kidneys
• Treating patients with anemia, kidney stones and poor appetite

Two flavonoids, catechin and epicatechins—naturally-occurring compounds found in plant-based foods exude certain health benefits—are found in minimally processed chocolate. Recent studies show that catechins, which are abundant in cocoa and minimally processed chocolates could help prevent heart disease and possibly cancer as well as boosting the immune system. Recently dark chocolate has been found to contain more than three times the amount of catechins as that found in tea. In addition chocolate is a good source of copper and magnesium—minerals that help regulate heartbeat and blood pressure.

Of course, like everything else, going to extremes and eating large amounts of chocolate is still bad for you and may cause weight gain. However, taken in smaller quantities, dark chocolate could prove to be very beneficial to your health. It all depends on the quantity and the type of chocolate that you are eating. Numerous studies show the possible effects of chocolate consumption on groups of participants.

For more information on the health benefits of chocolate and cocoa, please refer to the following articles:

Chocolate's Potential Health Benefits – and its Effect on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

The Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled

Uncovering Chocolate and Compound Coatings

Dark Chocolate Has Health Benefits Not Seen in Other Varieties

Eating 30 Calories Per Day of Dark Chocolate May Lower High Blood Pressure

Chocolates by Leopold's dark chocolate is 72% cocoa and is lactose free making it a very healthy treat! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we'll gladly answer your questions to the best of our ability.

Chocolates Make Wonderful Gifts