Chocolate lovers raise your hand! (I’m raising mine). I bring good news. According to recent studies, the daily consumption of chocolate is directly related to benefits for our body. But this is where the nuances come in. It’s about incorporating cocoa into our diet with balance, moderation, and choosing quality chocolate. Specifically, the most beneficial is dark chocolate, especially in percentages over 70% cocoa. In those cases, it contains flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage and promote good cardiovascular health. Furthermore, it has also been shown that moderate consumption promotes the regulation of blood pressure, improves blood circulation, and increases levels of HDL cholesterol (the good one).
In terms of cognitive aspects, cocoa consumption has also been linked to the release of serotonin and endorphins, which help maintain a better mood. It is important to remember that both excess caffeine and theobromine present in cocoa can lead to disruptions in sleep or even nervousness. Clearly, these studies and indications refer to moderate consumption, accompanied by a balanced diet, and cocoa with more than 70% content. Sugary versions or those that include cookies or other ingredients are completely excluded.
Cocoa
Cocoa is the seed from the cacao tree, and it is, as we all know, the main ingredient of chocolate. It is characterized by being rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and minerals, which contribute very positively to cardiovascular health and mood. Besides chocolate itself, cocoa powder is commonly used in beverages and desserts, and it can be found in different percentages of purity.
Effects of cocoa consumption
Very few people in the world claim that they do not like chocolate. They are still studying what kind of disease they have in their taste buds. (I’m just joking). The consumption of cocoa and, therefore, chocolate, is global. This is why multiple studies have been conducted, both on its consumption and on the effects it has on our body. Of course, we are talking about pure cocoa with a percentage higher than 70%. All sugary and ultra-processed versions that we can find in any supermarket are completely excluded, as they are directly related to the development of diseases such as diabetes.
Cocoa benefits
Clearly stating that sugary chocolate is not included in the studies, let’s see what the multiple benefits of daily chocolate consumption are. It is important to keep in mind moderation, quality, and balance. Any dark chocolate with a pure cocoa content higher than 70% contains flavonoids, which protect our cells from oxidative damage, and also contribute to maintaining good cardiovascular health.
It also contains other types of antioxidants and minerals that are also beneficial. Studies have shown a direct relationship between moderate dark chocolate consumption and a reduction in blood pressure, better blood circulation, and even an increase in good cholesterol levels, HDL.
If we focus on the cognitive aspect, it is worth noting that chocolate consumption releases neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin, which are responsible for mood and stress levels. It has also been linked to improvements in brain activity, such as better concentration and memory capacity.
Musn´t forget!
There are multiple benefits that cocoa consumption can provide us. However, you must keep in mind that it also contains caffeine and theobromine, which could disrupt your sleep and even your nervous system. Consuming chocolate by itself will have no effect; it is essential that it is accompanied by a balanced diet, as well as an active lifestyle.