The Surprising Reason Chocolate is SO Darn Healthy

By Jordyn Cormier

Chocolate is something of a miracle food — it can ease depression, boost circulation, lower blood pressure, and even help you lose weight. In a strange correlation, it could even make you more likely to win a Nobel Prize! To think, all of this bang in one, tiny, delectable package. But, why? How do the compounds in chocolate react in our bodies to produce such dramatic results? The answer lies within you.

In keeping with the wave of interest in our microbiomes and their effect on our health, recent research shows that the good bacteria in our stomachs, like Bifidobacterium, actually thrive on chocolate. That’s right, your good bacteria love chocolate just as much as you do. Within these bacteria, the chocolate gets fermented and converted into various, anti-inflammatory compounds. These anti-inflammatories then travel throughout the body, spreading their good cheer, so to speak, to the heart, brain, blood, and beyond.

These findings, unveiled at a recent meeting of the American Chemical Society, come from research associated with the cocoa solids — cocoa powder — so no sugar was present (which feeds less desirable gut dwellers). The powder is known to contain several antioxidants, known as polyphenols, and a bit of fiber — which keeps it moving along when digested. All of this makes bitter cocoa an ideal fuel for the hungry, friendly bacteria in your digestive system — and you can be sure they will pass on the benefits to you. Their feast can result in higher endorphins, less depression, and enhanced heart health, among countless other benefits, for you. A couple of teaspoons of cocoa powder in your smoothie might be just the trick to balance out health and deliciousness for a perfect breakfast!

Not All Chocolate Is Created Equal

Remember, not all chocolate is created equal. If you opt for a chocolate bar, be sure it is dark, as in 85% or greater.

Too much sugar could negate the benefits. If that’s too bitter for your taste, add a small dollop of raw honey to very dark chocolate for a double-whammy of health benefits and palatable sweetness.

Without your microcosm of gut bacteria, chocolate might not pose nearly as many benefits to your health. Keep your gut balanced with probiotics and a balanced diet — and make sure to give your micro-critter friends a big thank-you with a health-boosting treat of dark chocolate once in a while.

Decadent Chocolate & Coconut Smoothie

This smoothie recipe is both decadent and healthy - sure to satisfy even the greatest of choc-a-holics!

Serves 2

Ingredients

(use organic ingredients where possible)

1 young drinking coconut, water & flesh removed
1/2 avocado
1 frozen banana
1 - 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
Small pinch of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste
1 teaspoon honey, agave, pure maple syrup or desired sweetener of choice (optional)
Cacao nibs to serve (optional)

Method

Once you have your young drinking coconut open, pour the water into your blender and scoop out the flesh. Add the coconut flesh, to the blender along with the rest of the ingredients except for the cacao nibs. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Pour into two glasses and garnish with the cacao nibs.