Surprising Finding: Gut Microbes Make Dark Chocolate Healthy

Researchers have now discovered that certain bacteria in your gut actually break down and ferment the components in dark chocolate, turning them into absorbable anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit your health. In particular, beneficial microbes including Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria like to “feast” on cocoa, according to the researchers. The microbes also break down the fiber found in cocoa powder, turning it into highly absorbable short fatty acid chains that promote satiety. The study, which involved three cocoa powders tested in a model digestive tract, may help explain why chocolate has been found to be so good for your heart, as the anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce inflammation of cardiovascular tissue.

Dark Chocolate’s Health Secrets Revealed in New Studies

Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants. However, it was thought that these molecules were poorly digested and absorbed due to their large size. New research reveals that your gut bacteria breaks down and ferments the components in dark chocolate, turning them into anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit your health. Beneficial gut microbes including Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria “feasted” on chocolate, creating anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation of cardiovascular tissue. A wide range of accumulating scientific research has linked chocolate consumption to over 40 distinct health benefits.

Chocolate: Candy or Cutting-Edge Medicine?

Health Impact News Editor Comments: When choosing a chocolate bar, get the “darkest” chocolate possible. The highest percentage of “dark” chocolate also has the lowest percentage of sugar. Organic and fair trade is important as well, as Sayer mentions below. Finally, make your own healthy chocolate with organic cocoa powder, organic honey, and coconut […]