Whether hard candy, soft candy, chewy candy, candy bars, lollipops, mints, the list goes on and on, nearly a fourth of adults in the US eat at least one piece of candy every day. While the occasional indulgence is permissible, it is important to consume these sweet treats in moderation. Typically, candies are not the most beneficial to health. Typically.

Consider chocolate as an alternative to a piece of hard candy. Some may be surprised to find that the cacao-derived treat carries a number of health benefits.

What is Chocolate?

First and foremost, what is chocolate? The treat originates from cacao beans harvested from the pod-like fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. The processing of the beans may vary, depending on the desired product. However, the process for chocolate typically goes as follows – fermentation, drying, roasting, crushing, and grinding.

The final step, which involves grinding broken cacao nibs (from the crushing process), produces a non-alcoholic liquor that becomes the base for many chocolate products. Typically, the liquor is mixed in with a variety of ingredients that may or may not include sugar, milk, vanilla, cocoa butter, nuts, berries, among others.

The Health Benefits Of Chocolate

Health benefits seem to be most pronounced in chocolate candy, and other chocolate products, with higher percentages of cocoa – ie. in dark chocolate.

Antioxidants

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, as it is rich in certain compounds with those properties.

This means the prevention of oxidative stress, or the prevention of damage done to body cells as result of neutralized free radicals. This is a very significant benefit, as a number of diseases related to the heart, brain, eyes, and diseases such as diabetes and cancer are exacerbated by oxidative stress.

Nutrition

According to Healthline, 100 grams of dark chocolate with cocoa content of 70~85% contains fiber and essential nutrients, such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

Blood Pressure And Cholesterol

Compounds called flavanols, present in chocolate, lead to dilation of blood vessels, which results in lowered blood pressure. Other compounds, theobromine and polyphenols lead to lowered levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

Other Benefits

Chocolate may help to prevent brain diseases that are neurodegenerative in nature. This includes Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. With regular consumption, insulin resistance may also be reduced, which is especially beneficial to individuals with diabetes.

Regardless, chocolate has received a bad name due to its typically higher levels of sugar and fat content, but if you choose the right type, such as dark chocolate with higher cocoa content, then you may reap the nutritional value and health benefits the sweet treat has to offer.

All in moderation, but don’t feel guilty indulging occasionally in this sweet treat.