The cocoa in dark chocolate also contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may provide several health benefits. Chocolate comes from cacao, a plant with high levels of minerals and antioxidants.
Which chocolate is highest in flavonoids?
dark chocolate
In fact, dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonoids. A study published in The Lancet showed that chocolate contained four times as much catechin, a type of flavonoid, as tea.
Does all dark chocolate have flavonoids?
High quality dark chocolate is particularly rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants found in plant foods ( 3 ). In fact, high quality dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than many other high antioxidant foods like black tea, red wine, and apples ( 2 ).
What does flavonoids from dark chocolate do to the body?
The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide (NO) ( 3 ). One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.
How much flavonoids does dark chocolate have?
20g of dark chocolate (60% cocoa solids) contains 34mg of flavanols. 20g of milk chocolate contains 14mg of flavanols. 20g of white chocolate contains no flavanols.
Should you eat dark chocolate everyday?
Choose a bar with a minimum 70% cacao, and just remember — even the darkest of the dark chocolates must be consumed in moderation. There you have it. Science says a daily dose of dark chocolate can be good for your health. No need to wait for a special celebration.
Is dark chocolate inflammatory?
Anti-inflammatory effects
Dark chocolate contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body. A 2017 review of literature published in Frontiers in Immunology suggests that eating chocolate may influence the gut microbiome and encourage anti-inflammatory activity.
How many squares of dark chocolate should I eat a day?
And even though quality dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate, it is still chocolate, meaning it’s high in calories and saturated fat. To avoid weight gain, Amidor recommends eating no more than 1 ounce (oz) of dark chocolate per day.
Which dark chocolate brand is healthiest?
8 Healthy (and Delicious) Chocolate Bars That Dietitians Eat
- Ghirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight 72 Percent Cacao Chocolate Squares. …
- Divine Chocolate 85 Percent Dark Chocolate Bar. …
- Beyond Good Toasted Coconut Dark Chocolate 70 Percent Cocoa. …
- Chocolove Almonds and Sea Salt in Strong 70 Percent Dark Chocolate.