Chocolate News - Chocolate: The Best Medicine

Free radicals are chemical compounds created naturally in the human body which cause disease and aging. But antioxidants can destroy free radicals in the body and help slow the aging process, and they are thought to help prevent heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Antioxidants are found in certain vegetables, fruits, and other foods.

One popular food that is high in antioxidants is dark chocolate. In fact, cocoa beans are more antioxidant-rich than any other food! Other good sources include broccoli and many fruits--especially berries such as acai berries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. (Did you know that a dark-chocolate-dipped strawberry was so good for you?)

Research has shown that of all chocolate products, natural cocoa powder contains the most beneficial antioxidants. Dark chocolate also contains high amounts, because it is made with more cocoa than other chocolates and because it is comparatively unprocessed.

Antioxidant compounds in cocoa called flavanols have long been thought to offer health benefits. Recently, scientists found direct links between epicatechin, a flavanol which is highly concentrated in cocoa, and cardiovascular health. In fact, prominent researchers have indicated that epicatechin may be as important as penicillin, and should be considered a vitamin!

The Kuna Indians live on islands off the coast of Panama. In their society the risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes--four of the five most prevalent killer diseases--is reduced to less than 10%! What makes the Kuna different from the rest of the world? They drink cocoa, and lots of it--up to 40 cups of natural cocoa per week. Interestingly, Kuna who have migrated to the mainland and who consume much less cocoa (only about four cups per week) have a lower level of cardiovascular health, on average, than their island-dwelling kin.

One reason for this is that flavanols in chocolate are known to improve circulation by relaxing the walls of blood vessels and decreasing platelet activity.

Since doctors agree that eating small amounts of dark chocolate on a regular basis may significantly increase cardiovascular health, there’s no reason not to enjoy a little of this favorite treat every day!

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