Review Article Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Journal of Advanced Drug Delivery 2014 1 (4) 184-195
Review Article Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Journal of Advanced Drug Delivery 2014 1 (4) 184-195
Review Article Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: Journal of Advanced Drug Delivery 2014 1 (4) 184-195
in
Journal of Advanced Drug Delivery 2014; 1(4); 184-195
ISSN: 2348-3792
Review Article
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
ABSTRACT
Chocolate is a raw or processed food produced from the seed of the tropical tree Theobroma
cacao. Chocolates are increasingly being seen as capable of promoting good health. As these are
ideally suited for inclusion in the food matrix of a chocolate bar, complementing the endogenous
flavanols, chocolate could be developed as the ideal nutraceutical-polypill delivery system,
enhancing health in the form of a tasty treat. Dark chocolate is majorly beneficial in
cardiovascular disease. The other health benefits of Dark chocolate includes as antioxidant,
improvement in endothelial function, vascular function, insulin sensitivity etc.
synonymous with semisweet and extra dark theobromine than lower quality chocolate.
with bittersweet, although the ratio of cocoa Cocoa beans naturally contain
butter to solids may vary. approximately 300-1200 mg/ounce
Cocoa products can be very nutritious and theobromine.
the chocolate is the richest source of energy, PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
protein, magnesium, calcium, iron and The most common form of cocoa butter has
riboflavin of varying amounts, essential for a melting point of around 34–38°C (93–
mental health and heart function5. The cocoa 101°F), rendering solid chocolate at room
seeds are rich in copper, sulphur and vitamin temperature that readily melts once inside
C. Dark chocolate is naturally rich in the mouth. Cocoa butter
6
flavonoids . These compounds are thought displays polymorphism, having α, γ, β' and β
to lower blood pressure and protect against crystals, with melting points of 17, 23, 26,
heart disease-among other things7. Recent and 35–37°C respectively. The production
studies conducted both in the U.S. and of chocolate typically uses only the β crystal
Europe seem to support chocolate’s for its high melting point. A uniform crystal
beneficial effects on the cardiovascular structure will result in smooth texture, sheen
system, encouraging chocolate and snap. Overheating cocoa butter converts
manufacturers to develop proprietary the structure to a less stable form that melts
methods of processing cocoa beans aimed below room temperature. Given time, it will
specifically at preserving flavonoid content8. naturally return to the most stable β crystal
Traditional roasting and fermentation form. Advantage is taken of this
methods are thought to destroy up to three- phenomenon in the polymorphic
9
quarters of these compounds . transformation theory of chocolate bloom. It
Different types of chocolate contain is based on the fact that bloomed chocolates
different amounts of theobromine. In are always found to contain the most stable
general, theobromine levels are higher in polymorph of cocoa butter. The Refractive
dark chocolates (approximately 10 g/kg) index of cocoa butter is 1.44556-1.44573. Its
10
than in milk chocolates (1-5 g/kg) . Higher Iodine value is 32.11-35.12, 35.575. Acid
quality chocolate tends to contain more value is 1.68. Saponification value is
reducing the oxidative stress, increasing the then after 1 week ingestion of dark chocolate
endothelial prostacyclin release, enhancing (theobromine 6 mg/kg/day). Hence, the
the endothelial function22, increasing the results of these studies cannot be
sensitivity of insulin receptors, inhibiting the extrapolated to patients with any conditions
lipid oxidation and inhibiting angiotensin- or diseases or to the effects of chronic
23
converting enzyme . chocolate consumption.
For cardiometabolic disorder For endothelial and vascular function
In general the cardiometabolic disorders Dark chocolate induced a rapid and
exert a burden on people24. However, these significant improvement of endothelial and
are largely preventable. By systematic platelet function in healthy smokers 2-8
review and meta-analysis the cocoa products hours after ingestion28-30. Cigarette smokers
containing flavonol have a potential to exhibit increased atherogenic potential, as
prevent cardiometabolic disorders25,26. they consistently have endothelial and
As cardiorespiratory stimulant platelet dysfunction, which are associated
Theobromine, the primary alkaloid in cocoa, with an increased cardiovascular risk31.
is a weak CNS stimulant, with only one- These findings are mediated by the
tenth the cardiac effects of other antioxidant effect of polyphenol-rich dark
methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, chocolate. Hypertension and excess body
theophylline). Theobromine has activity weight are important risk factors for
similar to that seen with caffeine (i.e., endothelial dysfunction. Recent evidence
increases in energy, motivation to work and suggests that high-polyphenol dark
alertness). Theobromine, when ingested in chocolate improves endothelial function and
the form of a large chocolate bar, did not lowers blood pressure in stage 1
cause any acute hemodynamic or hypertension32. Hence consumption of
electrophysiologic cardiac changes in young, chocolate bars resulted in reductions in
healthy adults27. Theobromine systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
pharmacokinetics were similar in healthy For blood sugar
men when measured after 14 days of Dark chocolate helps blood vessels healthy
abstention from all methylxanthines and and circulation unimpaired to protect against
type II diabetes. The flavonoids in dark can, however, help to suppress coughs.
chocolate also help to reduce insulin Theobromine works by suppressing the
resistance by helping cells to function activity of the vagus nerve, which causes
normally and regain the ability to use body's coughing and cures the cough.
insulin efficiently33. Dark chocolate also has As antioxidant
a low glycemic index and it won't cause Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants.
huge spikes in blood sugar levels. Antioxidants help against free radicals,
For brain which cause oxidative damage to cells37.
Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the Free radicals are implicated in the aging
brain as well as to the heart, so it can help to process and may be a cause of cancer, so
34
improve cognitive function . Dark eating antioxidant rich foods like dark
chocolate contains several chemical chocolate can protect the body from many
compounds that have a stimulant action and types of cancer and slow the signs of
positive effect on the mood and cognitive aging38.
health35. Chocolate contains As vitamins and minerals
phenylethylamine (PEA), PEA encourages Dark chocolate contains a number of natural
brain to release endorphins and feel alert. vitamins, minerals and nutrients that can
Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, a mild support the health. Dark chocolate contains
stimulant. However, dark chocolate contains proteins, saturated fat, calories, vitamins like
much less caffeine than coffee and hence vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin
ingredients of chocolate were used in mood B9, vitamin K, calcium, dietary fiber,
disorders36. magnesium, phosphorous, manganese,
For oral hygiene selenium, iron, potassium, copper and zinc.
Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which The copper and potassium in dark chocolate
has been shown to harden tooth enamel. help prevent against stroke and
That means that dark chocolate lowers the cardiovascular ailments. The iron in
risk of getting cavities in proper dental chocolate protects against iron deficiency
hygiene. Theobromine is also a mild anemia and the magnesium in chocolate
stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It
helps prevent type II diabetes, high blood cellular proliferation by this compound is
pressure and heart disease. associated with the site-specific
In magnesium deficiency dephosphorylation or down-regulation of
In rats, the magnesium contained in cocoa several cell cycle regulatory proteins40.
has been shown to prevent and correct CONCLUSION
chronic magnesium deficiency. Low intakes Chocolate is a high calorie, high fat food.
of magnesium may be responsible for some Dark chocolate is naturally rich in
cardiovascular alterations as well as renal, flavonoids. These compounds are thought to
GI, neurological and muscular disorders. exhibit different therapeutic activities. The
The use of cocoa to treat or prevent major benefit of dark chocolate is in
magnesium deficiency in humans has not cardiovascular related disorders. The various
been explored39. other benefits of dark chocolate includes,
For cognitive performance alleviation of hypertension, regulation of
Free radical damage has been implicated as blood sugar, antioxidant protection etc.
a cause of cognitive decline and memory
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