What are some of the potential benefits of chocolate you may ask?  They include:

• Reduction in atherosclerosis

• Lower cholesterol levels

• Lower LDL and triglyceride levels

• Protects LDL’s from becoming oxidized

• Increased HDL cholesterol

• Better blood glucose control

You might be skeptical about chocolate’s potential as a super food.  It can be confusing when everyone is telling you how healthy eating and exercise are the only ways to lose weight, and chocolate should not be in the plan!  How can chocolate be so helpful in protecting the heart?

One word: the polyphenol called Flavanols.  Flavanols are typically found in fruits and vegetables, which is one reason we are told to eat five or more servings a day.  The problem: not everyone enjoys fruits and vegetables.  They do provide us with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and some fiber.  They also are a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce the damage associated with free radicals from oxidative stress.

Guess what?  The exact flavanols found in fruits and vegetables are also found in chocolate!

Research by Hermann et al. concluded dark chocolate actually has a high polyphenol concentration.  It was found to be higher than berries, tea, and wine.  Amazing!  Not done yet.  They also concluded high level of polyphenol concentration significantly reduced platelet activation in the body.  Important, yes!  Why?  Let me explain.

Oxidative stress can lead to higher levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol levels.  When LDL is oxidized, meaning free radicals bind to the LDL, the cholesterol is more permeable and able to pass through the artery easier.  This results in inflammation and a resulting immune response by the body.   The response is to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the wall of the artery.  The problem: this response can cause accumulation of platelets and other cells in the artery.   The accumulation interferes with the travel of blood and nutrients vital to the cells of the body.   LDL cholesterol and other cells (macrophages) get trapped, creating blockages in the arteries. Results: oxygen and nutrients not getting to the cells of the body.   This can happen anywhere, but it mostly happens in major arteries of the heart and other arteries in the body.

The high concentration of polyphenols bind to the LDLs, preventing the oxidation process.  One nutrient found in chocolate is responsible for this action.  Research by Vinson et al. concluded Epicatechin, a major polyphenol, binds to LDL cholesterol preventing the oxidation process from happening.   They also concluded the fat in chocolate acts as a pro-oxidative agent in the body.   There is more!

Hannum et al. concluded flavanols found in chocolate may help to enhance heart health.  They concluded the flavanols help delay blood clotting, improve endothelial function, and help decrease inflammation.

Chocolate has many benefits on heart health.   The exact recommendation for chocolate consumption and type has yet to be determined.    However, research from Franco et al. tells us that chocolate in moderation is healthy and the most preferred choice is dark chocolate.  The reason: dark chocolate has a much higher concentration of flavanols than white chocolate, which has very little.  Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are recommended for increasing our antioxidant intake, but moderate levels of chocolate can be good for protecting our heart and health.

For the chocolate lovers out there: You are vindicated!  Let us raise our favorite dark chocolate covered, flavanol rich snack and celebrate!  Since chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is shown to provide protective effects on the heart and health of our vessels and arteries, we have plenty to celebrate!