What are Flavonoids in chocolate good for?

What are flavonoids?

Flavonoids are compounds packed with antioxidants, naturally found in numerous different fruits, vegetables, and drinks. Some of the most common foods that contain flavonoids are tea, chocolate, red wine, and fresh berries. Flavonoid-rich foods can easily be incorporated into a daily diet and help your body fight off toxins and even minimize your risk of chronic diseases.  

You can find healthy doses of flavonoids in cacao beans, which are fermented and roasted into chocolate. You do have to remember that chocolate contains caffeine, especially the dark and milk varieties, so try to eat it only during the day if you’re sensitive.  

There are six subcategories of flavonoids that each effect the body in subtly different ways. Cocoa and chocolate are called Flavan-3-ols and fall within the same group as tea, apples, grapes and berries.  

 

Flavonoids in cocoa and dark chocolate 

It’s the cocoa in chocolate that delivers the most health benefits and contains flavonoids. Thanks to dark chocolate’s high cocoa content, it’s often crowned the healthiest chocolate variety. Dark chocolate’s health benefits include being a natural antidepressant, healing the nervous system, and helping decrease cellular aging, among many more.  

Dark chocolate can come in countless different flavors and cocoa percentages: these factors can change how healthy the chocolate is. As an example, the amount of flavonoids in chocolate can range from 100mg in 3 ounces of chocolate to as high as 2,000 mg in a different brand. It all depends on the quality of the chocolate and the conditions under which it is grown and produced.  

 

What do flavonoids do?

Being extremely rich in antioxidants, flavonoids can help protect the body from toxins and let it function more smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis. There have been many studies done that link a diet rich in flavonoids to cardiovascular benefits. Eating more foods that contain flavonoids can decrease the possibility of having a heart attack or stroke.  

Our bodies naturally produce antioxidants, but getting an extra boost from flavonoids helps fight against oxidization damage, which can cause premature cell aging. These compounds have even been shown to decrease cancer tumors in rats and mice. So, the signs are promising for humans.  

 

The health benefits of flavonoids  

Sometimes, the most thoughtful gift you can get a loved one is a box of the finest dark chocolate. Thanks to the naturally powerful flavonoids in chocolate, your loved ones can enjoy themselves while also healing their body and mind. These precious substances are hardworking ingredients that give you so many benefits if you add them to your diet.  

For those who suffer from high blood pressure, flavonoids may be the answer. These compounds can help you manage your blood pressure while at the same time improving blood circulation to your heart and brain.  

Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Harvard Medical School suggest that daily flavonoid consumption can improve memory and thinking skills. This may be because flavonoids help guard brain cells from toxins and inflammation.  

In 2018, research showed that a diet high in flavonoids could decrease the possibility of type 2 diabetes. So, people with diabetes can also enjoy chocolate, especially high-quality dark varieties that are lower in sugar. Just remember, before eating any chocolate, talk to your doctor.