What heart health benefits do cocoa and chocolate provide?
Cocoa and dark chocolate contain no cholesterol. In addition, milk chocolate and white chocolate only contain trace amounts of cholesterol due to added milk fats. Cocoa and chocolate also contain stearic acid. Stearic acid is a fatty acid that has a neutral effect on the production of LDL—or bad—cholesterol, even if a person consumes chocolate daily. Studies also show that the stearic acid in chocolate promotes the production of HDL—or good—cholesterol, as long as the consumer engages in a healthful lifestyle. In addition, cocoa is rich in polyphenols. Research indicates that polyphenols may aid in preventing clots in blood vessels. Polyphenols also protect the body from damage against the immune system and may neutralize free radicals in the body, inhibiting the development of certain cancers. Are there any other healthful benefits of chocolate? Yes. Some chocolates are rich in a group of antioxidants known as flavonoids. Flavonoids may enhance cardiovascular health by reducing damage
