About Healthy Cocoa Powder

Some of the best news to come out over the past few years is that chocolate is good for the human body. In addition to the delightful taste sensation, researchers have discovered that the elements in cocoa offer benefits to the heart, arteries and hormone levels. However, not all chocolate is equal. The health benefits depend on a number of things, from the quality and quantity of cocoa in the chocolate to the amount of other, less healthful ingredients in the final product.

Flavonoids

Cocoa powder has plant flavonoids that act as antioxidants, which help regulate cell growth and prevent damage that can eventually lead to cancer or heart disease. It can also improve blood flow, prevent blood clots and help lower blood pressure. In studies at the University of Barcelona in Spain, Veronique Noe and associates found that the antioxidants in cocoa help cells fight damage from free radicals in the colon and cardiovascular system. Dark chocolate has more flavonoids than milk chocolate because the ratio of cocoa to added ingredients is much higher.

Mood Elevator

The chemical phenylethylamine that is also found in chocolate offers the benefit of giving consumers a sense of well-being and lifting their moods. This can help someone who is mildly depressed.

Research

In a study at Penn State led by Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, 23 people were given two diets--one diet low in flavonoids and the other with 1-1/4 ounces of cocoa powder and dark chocolate. After eating the diet with cocoa and chocolate, the oxidation was approximately 8 percent lower than when they ate the diet low in flavonoids. According to the paper written after the study, "Total antioxidant capacity was 4 percent greater after the cocoa and chocolate-containing diet. HDL cholesterol was 4 percent higher after the chocolate diet." HDL is the "good" cholesterol. This study concludes that incorporating cocoa and other healthy foods into our diet increases our antioxidants, which can help prevent cardiovascular problems.

Negative Effects

The same chemical that provides a mood lift is similar to an amphetamine and can be addictive. People who tend to have panic attacks or anxiety may suffer from their condition worsening after consuming large amounts of chocolate. Many chocolate products have high amounts of sugars and hydrogenated fats, which will counter any of the positive benefits in the cocoa.

Healthy Way to Consume Cocoa

To get the most health benefits from chocolate, look for the highest content of cocoa. Read the list of ingredients, and try to avoid high levels of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils.

References

• Heath Benefits of Cocoa
• Chocolate and Cocoa Extract Beat Cholesterol