Chocolate and cocoa get their health benefits from flavanoids which are plant pigments capable of acting as antioxidants. Antioxidants counteract some of the cellular damage that can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Cocoa powder has also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow in humans. • A cup of cocoa has almost 3 times the antioxidants of a cup of green tea, another drink renowned for its health benefits. With all of the antioxidant capabilities of cocoa it may seem like we cannot feel guilty adding dark chocolate and cocoa to your diet.
While cocoa is still recommended by most experts when consumed in reasonable quantities, the health benefits of cocoa should be balanced by its potential drawbacks. There can be a negative for people prone to anxiety or panic attacks to consume chocolate or cocoa regularly. This is because of the ingredient, phenylethylamine, which is a mood boosting by-product, but can be a stimulant similar to an amphetamine in some people.
There is also evidence that this chemical can be addictive. Could this be where the term “chocoholic” comes from? If you want the health benefits of cocoa with fewer of the potential drawbacks, it’s best to consume as pure of a formulation of cocoa as possible with the lowest calorie content.
Plus, it’s probably best to alternate chocolate and cocoa intake with green tea, red wine, and other health sources of antioxidants to maximize benefits with fewer negative effects.
The conclusion? Dark chocolate and unprocessed cocoa powder can be a positive addition to a healthy diet if chosen and used wisely. It is probably best to alternate chocolate and cocoa intake with green tea, red wine, and other health sources of antioxidants including dark green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels spouts and asparagus to maximize benefits with fewer negative effects. The conclusion? Dark chocolate (70% cocoa and more) and unprocessed cocoa powder can be a positive addition to a healthy diet if chosen and used wisely.
