It is no secret that fruits, vegetables and grains convey health benefits - we've been told that for years. But did you know that chocolate could result in health benefits, more specifically heart-health benefits?

Have you had your flavonoids today? 

While not a question normally asked at a social gathering, flavonoids have become quite a hot topic in the media and in scientific journals. 

Flavonoids provide important protective benefits to plants, such as in repairing damage and shielding from environmental toxins. When we consume plant-based foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this “antioxidant” power.  Antioxidants are believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals, formed by normal bodily processes such as breathing or environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke. When the body lacks adequate levels of antioxidants, free radical damage ensues, leading to increases in LDL-cholesterol oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls.

In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, flavonoids also:

• Are thought to help reduce platelet activation
• May affect the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels
• May positively affect the balance of certain hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids, which are thought to play a role in cardiovascular health. 

Forms of Chocolate

Before you grab a chocolate candy bar or slice of chocolate cake, let’s look at what forms of chocolate would be ideal over others:

• When cocoa is processed into your favorite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce its naturally pungent taste.  Flavonoids (polyphenols) provide this pungent taste.  The more chocolate is processed (such as fermentation, alkalizing, roasting), the more flavonoids are lost.  Most commercial chocolates fit this category.
• Dark chocolate appears to retain the highest level of flavonoids.  So your best bet is to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
• Some chocolate manufacturers are studying ways to retain the highest level of flavonoids while still providing acceptable taste.  Stay tuned for more information in this area.

What about all of the fat in chocolate? 

You may be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t as bad as once perceived.  The fat in chocolate, from cocoa butter, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids.  Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat.  Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk for heart disease.

Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it.  Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate.

This great news does not give us a license to consume as much dark chocolate as we’d like. 

First, be cautious as to the type of dark chocolate you choose: chewy caramel-marshmallow-nut-covered dark chocolate is by no means a heart-healthy food option.  What wreaks havoc on most chocolate products are the fat and calories that accompany other ingredients. 

Second, there is currently no established serving size of chocolate to reap these cardiovascular benefits.  However, what we do know is you no longer need to feel guilty if you enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate once in awhile. 

More research in this area is needed to determine just how much chocolate we chocolate-lovers can eat in order to acquire cardioprotective benefits.  Until that time, enjoy chocolate in moderate portions a few times per week. Don’t forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries. 

Be on the lookout for new and exciting research in this area.

Here’s to your heart-health!

For more information on a heart-healthy diet plan, please contact the Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation Program at 216.444-9353 (or toll-free at 800/223-2273, extension 49353) and we can schedule a nutrition consultation - or - use our Remote Cardiac Nutrition Counseling Services.