The health benefits of chocolate are often touted in the news, typically with a jaunty headline. While chocolate certainly does contain some beneficial compounds, the fact is that a very large volume of high quality dark chocolate would need to be eaten for these benefits to take effect. More chocolate, in fact, than most people could eat without severe intestinal discomfort. Some of these compounds are unique to chocolate, but others can be more readily obtained from things like fresh fruits such as blueberries. Ultimately, the health benefits of chocolate should not be used as an excuse for indulging.
Before plunging into the health benefits of chocolate, it is important to clarify that these benefits only apply for pure dark chocolate. Milk chocolate, chocolate desserts, and other chocolate sweets do not carry the same benefits, since the other ingredients tend to be harmful, and the beneficial compounds are present in trace amounts. High quality dark chocolate, however, does not contain things like harmful fats, and it has a concentration of the best part of the cocoa plant. Since the health benefits of chocolate are actually quite minimal when compared with other foods, consumers should not drown them out with harmful fats, dairy products, and an assortment of other things used to dilute chocolate.
Extensive analysis of chocolate has revealed a range of compounds including theobromine, anandamide, and flavonols, along with the more familiar caffeine. Many of these substances have a positive effect on the human body or on cognition. Flavonols, for example, are loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Anandamide is a cannabinoid, and it may have psychoactive properties, along with theobromine. Studies on dark chocolate have shown that it is certainly not harmful, although it may not be as beneficial as a large salad or a piece of fresh fruit.
The psychoactive compounds in chocolate can lead to a feeling of general happiness and well being, which many believe is one of the most important health benefits of chocolate. Even inhaling chocolate appears to induce a sense of relaxation, but this may also be due to social associations with chocolate. Chocolate certainly appears to stimulate serotonin production, since it contains tryptophan, and it may reduce sensitivity to pain.
The flavonols in chocolate appear to have more clear-cut health benefits. Antioxidants are beneficial to human health in a number of ways. The flavonols in chocolate help to keep the arteries from clogging, promoting healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, chocolate fans should be aware that numerous other foods contain antioxidants in much higher concentrations.
Excessive consumption of chocolate and sweets in general is not advised for people with certain health problems. Diabetics, for example, should confine themselves to sugar-free chocolate. People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome also may want to avoid chocolate, since the stimulating effects on the brain and body can be followed by a sugar low. Chocolate does not, however, appear to be involved in migraines or acne, which may be a relief for some patients.