Dark chocolate can provide considerable health benefits

Research conducted by scientists at Loma Linda University’s (LLU) Adventist Health Sciences Center (AHSC) in California, US, has revealed that there may be significant health benefits to eating certain types of dark chocolate.

The key findings from two studies were presented at the Experimental Biology 2018 annual meeting, showing how consuming dark chocolate with a high cacao concentration of at least 70% cacao had positive effects on levels of stress, inflammation, mood, memory, and immunity.

Throughout the study, the health effects of cacao were tested on humans to determine how its properties can support cognitive, endocrine and cardiovascular health. Cacao is well known as a source of flavonoids, secondary metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

LLU researcher in psychoneuroimmunology and food science Dr Lee S Berk said: “This is the first time that we have looked at the impact of large amounts of cacao in doses as small as a regular-sized chocolate bar in humans over short or long periods of time, and we are encouraged by the findings. These studies show us that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects.”

The first experimental trial assessed the impact of 70% cacao dark chocolate on human immune and dendritic cell gene expression, focussing on pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The study found that cacao consumption increases intracellular performance involved in T-cell activation, cellular immune response, and genes involved in neural signalling and sensory perception.

The second trial examined the electroencephalography (EEG) response to consuming 48g of 70% cacao chocolate after both acute (30 minute) and chronic (120 minute) time periods. The team measured the effects on modulating brain frequencies, specifically beneficial gamma frequency 25Hz to 40Hz. The results showed that the 70% cacao product was beneficial for behavioural and brain health.