Protect Your Valentine’s Heart with Chocolate

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we are diving into the history and health benefits of the most romantic food we could think of – CHOCOLATE!

History

Indigenous to Central and South America, chocolate is historically revered for its flavor and health properties. Archaeological evidence shows ancient people cultivated and consumed chocolate as long ago as 1750 BCE. In the 15^th century, the Aztecs highly valued chocolate, but could not produce in in their home climate of the Mexican highlands. As a means of importing the luxury good, they collected cacao beans as tributary tax from the lands they ruled. Cacao beans were taken to Europe by Spanish explores in the early 1500s. A chocolate craze spread throughout the continent over the following two centuries and contributed to colonization and slave trade in Mesoamerica and Africa. The industrial revolution in the 19^th century brought chocolate to the masses and saw the rise of many iconic confectionary companies, such as Nestlé, Cadbury, and Hershey’s. Today chocolate’s popularity continues to grow, with a global market valued at nearly $100 billion. The treat can be found in everything from drugstore candy to luxury goods and is a hallmark of Valentine’s Day.

Health Benefits

Chocolate contains a plethora of compounds that provide human health benefits, including healthy fats, antioxidants (flavonoids, epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium), caffeine, theobromie, and valeric acid.

*One third of the fat in cacao butter is monounsaturated oleic acid, which has a positive effect on blood lipid levels. While cacao butter also contains about 33% fat in the form of steric acid, this type of saturated fat is unique in that it does not appear to negatively impact blood lipid profile.

*The antioxidant concentration of cacao is remarkable, exceeding that of other powerhouses, like tea and wine. In the U.S., chocolate is the third highest daily source of antioxidants!

*Theobromine and caffeine are nitrogenous compounds that stimulate the central nervous system, relax smooth muscle, and act as diuretics.

*And finally, valeric acid is a powerful stress reducer that works despite the stimulatory effects of theobromine and caffeine.

Scientific evidence supports the following health benefits of chocolate:

*The antioxidant power of chocolate protects the body’s tissues against oxidative damage from free radicals that can lead to premature aging, inflammation, and chronic disease.

*Numerous studies support the link between chocolate and cardiovascular health. Regular consumption of cocoa is linked to lower blood pressure, healthy vascular function, and decreased risk of heart disease. One study suggests that a daily intake of dark chocolate may even prevent the development of cardiovascular disease in high-risk individuals (those who are obese, at risk of developing a chronic disease, or those diagnosed with a chronic disease).

*Chocolate supports optimal blood sugar levels and insulin activity in healthy adults and may also be beneficial for individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

*Chocolate positively impacts mood, so it makes sense that we reach for it when stressed! It also increases blood flow to the brain, leading to feelings of alertness, improved cognitive performance, and reduced risk of stroke. Chocolate might also be useful in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Cocoa vs. Cacao

Cocoa and cacao appear similar and are both made from cocoa beans; however, they result of different production methods that impact their nutritional profiles. Cocoa production relies on heat processing to achieve a certain texture and flavor. Unfortunately, this leads to a reduction in nutritional value. Cacao, on the other hand, is cold pressed, which preserves nutrients. In fact, cacao has over three times the antioxidant power of cocoa! While cocoa does contain beneficial nutrients, choose cacao for a greater antioxidant boost!

Choose Dark & Indulge Sensibly

Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of cocoa/cacao than milk chocolate because it is not diluted with dairy, making it is the healthiest choice. As chocolate is high in calories and contains sugar, it is important to indulge sensibly and enjoy in moderation. Try incorporating unsweetened cacao into your diet by adding a scoop to smoothies and using it in savory sauces, like mole.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our Moxy Kitchen readers!   For healthy and romantic meal inspiration, check out our Recipe page!

Dr Kara

My journey to find a balanced way of living led me to a Ph.D. in Nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Public Health at the University of California-Berkeley. My studies and experiences afford me a deep understanding of diet and lifestyle factors that contribute to optimal health. I contribute to projects in the U.S. and abroad that improve the health of individuals and families through nutritious foods. I believe the foods we eat impact our lives in so many ways, ranging from nourishing our body’s cells and tissues, to supporting emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. I am thrilled to be a part of the Moxy Kitchen team and support the development of flavorful, easy-to-use food products that add a nutrient-dense punch to daily meals.