The candy store is typically the last place we would look to find a food to prevent cancer and heart disease. Recent studies have shown, however, that dark chocolate may be "just what the doctor ordered" in terms of prevention of the America's top twin killers, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Researchers have discovered that the proanthocyanidins found in cocoa mass have the capacity to slow the development of certain cancers - especially lung cancer when it is induced in laboratory animals.
They've also observed that polyphenols in cocoa may cause a sharp drop in the growth of cancer cells by bringing about a halting of their abilities to produce new blood vessels in order to travel, receive nutrients, and spread to other organs.
In fact, there are more than 300 chemically-active compounds in the cacao bean, from which pure chocolate and cocoa is made, making it one of the most complex health-promoting foods in the world.
"As it turns out, dark chocolate is not only a pleasure to eat, but it fits quite nicely with other healthy recommendations," says Jeffrey B. Blumberg, a professor of nutrition and senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University. "We also found that three ounces of dark chocolate per day over several weeks reduced blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension and it also seemed to provide an overall boost to the immune system."
With that encouraging news, it is very important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate only and it can't just be "added on" to your existing diet. It is still a high-calorie food and most people don't need extra calories. "But as part of a healthful diet," Blumberg concludes, "it is something that you can enjoy and feel that you are not violating the principles of good nutrition."
In other words, it's okay to eat dark chocolate in small amounts, as long as you eat an otherwise healthy diet and can afford the calories. Try eating it with nuts or fruits for more good fats and even more antioxidants.
A good rule of thumb is to consume chocolate with a minimum of 70% pure cocoa mass.
Another study conducted by Holland's National Institute of Public Health concluded that dark chocolate contains four times the antioxidants found in green tea. And it was observed that dark chocolate antioxidants can help clean arterial plaque, reduce blood clots and increase the flexibility of the arteries as well.
Overall, this helps with healthy blood flow and promotes heart health. Some medical researchers have reported that as little as an ounce of dark chocolate per day can increase good cholesterol and prevent bad cholesterol from oxidizing.
This should come as welcome news in the United States, where heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death. Be careful, though. Most chocolate produced and consumed in the United States packs a sizeable dose of sugar and milk to make it sweet and delicious, and thereby is more desired by consumers. Adding dairy products to chocolate effectively cancels out the healthy antioxidants in the cocoa itself.
You do have the option, however, to ditch the dairy additives and drink your way to a chocolatey bliss' with a new dark cocoa mix called "Cocoberri". It features the recommended 70% pure cocoa mass and combines it with lusciously tart natural raspberries, blueberries, goji and acai berries. It can be mixed with 6-8 oz of water or added to a smoothie. No sugar is needed because the low-glycemic sweetener xylitol is used, harvested from natural tree bark. Formulated by the Institute for Vibrant Living, this "Cocoberri" product covers many of the bases related to heart health and blood pressure benefits.
More good news - dark chocolate used in moderation can also boost your immune system. In fact, a daily consumption of 1 1/2 ounces (40 grams) of dark chocolate that contains 70% cocoa mass may supply the body with enough polyphenols to reduce the likelihood of both cardiovascular disease and cancer.
So, next time you break off a square of 70% cocoa mass chocolate, or indulge in a cocoa rich smoothie, you won't have to feel guilty, will you?
As a matter of fact, you can even "spread the joy" by sharing some of these "dark goods" with family, friends and co-workers!
