Dark chocolate's heart benefits: What's real?
What's the story
Dark chocolate is often marketed as a heart-healthy treat, but how far is the truth in it? While most of you think that indulging in dark chocolate could benefit your heart, it's important to distinguish between fact and fiction. Here, we explore how dark chocolate affects your heart health, with scientific insights and common misconceptions.
Flavanols
The role of flavanols
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, compounds thought to have antioxidant properties. These flavanols may improve blood flow by enhancing nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, which may lower blood pressure levels. However, not all dark chocolates are rich in flavanols, owing to processing methods that can decrease their concentration.
Blood pressure
Impact on blood pressure
Some studies indicate that eating dark chocolate may result in a small drop in blood pressure. This is due to the flavanols it contains that improve vascular function. However, this isn't a universal finding in every research study, and larger trials are required to validate any meaningful effect on long-term heart health.
Sugar and fat
Consideration of sugar and fat content
While dark chocolate may provide some benefits owing to its flavanol content, it is equally important to keep its sugar and fat content in mind. Many store-bought dark chocolates contain added sugars and fats that could cancel out any health benefits if consumed excessively. Moderation is key when including dark chocolate in a balanced diet.
Caloric intake
Caloric intake awareness
Dark chocolate is calorie-dense, meaning it offers a substantial number of calories even in small portions. Eating large amounts disregarding caloric intake could result in weight gain over time. This might negatively impact heart health. Paying attention to portion sizes can help keep a healthy balance while indulging in this treat once in a while.