Dietary Info
Despite some of chocolate's nutritional shortcomings, adding this food to your diet (in moderation) may provide some health benefits.
Health Benefits
Cocoa is rich in flavanols, a category of flavonoids that, as a polyphenol, contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavanols specifically are a naturally-occurring compound found in plants that have been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.6
It should be noted that, as cocoa beans are processed, health benefits are minimized.7 For this reason, choosing minimally processed chocolate helps promote the possible benefits of flavonoids. Usually, dark chocolate is the best choice.8
Boosts Mood
The flavanols and methylxanthines in cocoa and chocolate have been known to help enhance mood.9 In fact, individuals eating chocolate have been found to have a 57% lower risk of depressive symptoms than those who avoid this sweet entirely.10
Want to get the most out of your chocolate? The ability of this food to boost positive mood is increased even more when you enjoy this treat mindfully (as opposed to non-mindful eating, or eating on 'auto-pilot').11 So, feel free to savor every bite.