Where to Buy Cacao with Health Benefits
Dark chocolate with high cocoa content (70% or higher) can be purchased from specialty food stores, health food markets, or online retailers to obtain potential cardiovascular benefits.1
Understanding Cacao's Health Benefits
Dark chocolate rich in flavonoids has demonstrated several potential health benefits:
- Small but measurable improvements in blood pressure, endothelial function, insulin resistance, and blood lipids 2
- Blood pressure-lowering effects with as little as 6.3 g/day (30 kcal/day) of dark chocolate 2
- Potential anti-oxidative, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, and antithrombotic properties 2
The beneficial effects are primarily attributed to the flavanols and polyphenols in cocoa, not the saturated fat content. Dark chocolate contains stearic acid (C18:0), which has a neutral effect on cardiovascular disease risk 2.
What to Look For When Purchasing
When seeking cacao products with health benefits, prioritize:
- Dark chocolate with high cocoa content (70% or higher) - this preserves more of the beneficial epicatechin and other flavanols 1
- Minimally processed products - excessive processing can reduce beneficial compounds
- Low sugar content - added sugars can negate some health benefits
Where to Purchase
Quality cacao products with health benefits can be found at:
- Specialty food stores and gourmet markets
- Health food stores and natural grocers
- Farmer's markets (some may carry artisanal chocolate)
- Online retailers specializing in high-quality chocolate
- Direct from craft chocolate makers
Recommended Consumption
For potential cardiovascular benefits:
- Moderate consumption of up to 10g of dark chocolate daily may reduce coronary heart disease risk by approximately 5% 1
- Be mindful of caloric intake when incorporating chocolate into your diet 1
Important Considerations and Caveats
Milk chocolate is not equivalent - it does not contain significant amounts of the beneficial epicatechin 1
Individual sensitivities - Approximately 15-20% of people with non-immunological food intolerances may have histamine intolerance, and dark chocolate contains considerable amounts of histamine 1
Not a diabetes treatment - The American Diabetes Association does not specifically recommend cocoa for glycemic control due to limited evidence 1
Moderation is key - Despite potential benefits, chocolate should be consumed in moderation due to its caloric density
Look beyond marketing claims - Many products advertise "antioxidant properties" but may not contain sufficient bioactive compounds to provide health benefits
By selecting high-quality dark chocolate with minimal processing and sugar content, you can maximize the potential health benefits while enjoying this delicious food in moderation.