dark chocolate has health benefits

Question

eating dark chocolate gives you protection against free radicals, cardiovascular disease, may prevent cancer, and also improves cognitive function. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, increases clotting ability of blood platelets, and it decreases mental impairment.

Comments

Dark chocolate has potential benefits, but claims are often exaggerated. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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This claim is true! The article starts out by citing Harvard which says that dark chocolate contains high amounts of flavanols, which helps your heart in protecting it from cardiovascular diseases. The article makes more claims about dark chocolate like that is prevents cancer, improves cognitive function, and protects against free radicals. Harvard was the only thing they used to back up their claims, so I found another article about this topic. I found an article by Cleveland Clinic that gave even more information about the benefits of consuming dark chocolate. Three doctors have said that Cleveland clinic is a reliable source, therefore I would say this claim is true; dark chocolate does have health benefits.
Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dark-chocolate-health-benefits

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The claim “Dark chocolate is found to have health benefits” is proven correct through the research and support from numerous validated sources. Research covered states dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, improves heart health and can even support brain function. The internal article refers to the chocolate as “superfood” (Katz, 2019), while an external article from Healthline supports this claim by providing seven proven benefits based on the consumption of this food (Gunnars, 2021). That said, it is essential to be able to understand the credibility of sources, specifically in this case, where the information is coming from. When analyzing more sources, credibility can be found in the sources with actual statistics or proven data coming from the benefits of dark chocolate. Such as scientific data, referring to how dark chocolate contributes to cardiovascular health. Through analyzing some articles with scientific data as well as the internal article, I was able to fact check the information I was receiving. This allowed for an accurate depiction of the information being shared in the original article.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/blogs/blog/dark-chocolate-health-benefits?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyfe4BhAWEiwAkIL8sARX5ELuJqPL1WAgB2Nqjli3baBFzYsFJGvYyjy1FH0KdRAbP9jkTBoCYZoQAvD_BwE

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Upon reading this article, I was skeptical on exactly how dark chocolate could have health benefits because I have always personally tied anything chocolate to being unhealthy. After reading the article and doing some outside research, I do see that it is actually beneficial and can be preventative to certain illnesses. This article also uses hsph.harvard.edu as a source which is very reliable. Overall this article is very spot on and accurate.

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This claim is accurate! The article begins by referencing Harvard, which states that dark chocolate is rich in flavanols that help protect the heart from cardiovascular diseases. It goes on to make additional claims about dark chocolate, such as its ability to prevent cancer, improve cognitive function, and protect against free radicals. Harvard is the sole source backing these claims, so I found another article on the topic. I came across a piece from the Cleveland Clinic that provides even more details about the health benefits of dark chocolate. Three doctors have confirmed that Cleveland Clinic is a reliable source, so I would affirm that the claim is true, dark chocolate does offer health benefits.

Answer 1

This claim is accurate, however, the source could be bettered to back it furthermore. This is a blog post, meaning it is not a peer reviewed academic text or even published journalistic article. Also, the post does not provide sources besides Jilian Levy, Senior Writer at Dr Axe, an independent nutrition site. The National Library of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, and NPR all provide information on the benefits of dark chocolate and it's helpful factors such as cutting risk of diabetes, antioxidant powers, and improving heart health. All of these support the claim that dark chocolate has health benefits. It has been proven that it is nutrient plentiful, but in moderation. My sources are provided below:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9589144/

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dark-chocolate-health-benefits

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/05/nx-s1-5215929/dark-chocolate-diabetes-diet-blood-pressure

Answer 2

It is true, dark chocolate does have health benefits. Not to be compared to other treats like milk or white chocolate which don't always actually have cocoa solids. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the less added sugar which means more health benefits. According to health Cleveland clinic, it is rich in minerals like magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. It is also quoted to be rich in flavanols, fiber, and is also said to enhance mood and protect from sun damage. The only piece to be aware of is making sure your intaking dark chocolate in moderation.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dark-chocolate-health-benefits

Answer 3

Dark chocolate does in fact have health benefits. Most dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which are a plant based chemical. These flavanols are antioxidants that have been tied to a lower risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate also includes many other “health-promoting” elements including, polyphenols, procyanidins, theobromines, as well as vitamins and minerals that positively balance our immune systems. It also contains anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. 

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/dark-chocolate-health-benefits-the-good-and-the-bad-to-this-sweet-treat/2023/02 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9589144/

Answer 4

The claim "Dark chocolate has health benefits" is true. However, you should consume dark chocolate in moderation. Along with paying attention to what the article is saying, even though the benefits to dark chocolate are true, they leave out the part that eating a large amount can cause heart risks because they are trying to sell you their dark chocolate popcorn the whole time. 

After reading two other articles, both tell the same information about the benefits you're receiving, such as lowing cholesterol, blood sugar, and many more. Researchers in 2018 found that eating 30g of dark chocolate a day for 8 weeks greatly reduced inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the main benefits come from flavanol, and the amount of flavanols in your dark chocolate varies from what manufacturer you get it from because there is no legal requirement minimum manufacturers need to add. 

After reading the article, it is very easy to no notice it's one big ad for you to buy their dark chocolate popcorn; however, the facts don't lie, and the benefits are true just be cautious where you get your chocolate from as one brand of chocolate might contain a lower amount of what you want going into your body.

https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/blogs/blog/dark-chocolate-health-benefits?gad_source=1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dark-chocolate#risks-and-considerations

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/dark-chocolate-health-benefits-the-good-and-the-bad-to-this-sweet-treat/2023/02#:~:text=In%20theory%2C%20dark%20chocolate%20will,says%20registered%20dietitian%20Haley%20Dockrey.

Answer 5

This claim is true. A 2014 study found that dark chocolate has antioxidants that lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, improve cognitive functioning, balances the immune system, boosts athletic performance via improved circulation and combats diabetes.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-benefits-of-having-a-healthy-relationship-with-chocolate#:~:text=These%20are%20just%20a%20few,engaged%20in%20moderately%20intense%20exercise.

Answer 6

This article is claiming that Dark Chocolate has multiple health benefits, such as protection against free radicals, cardiovascular diseases, improved cognitive function, and the potential to prevent cancer. When they dive into each of these claims individually, there is some evidence that is factual. The problem is the overhype of small health benefits.

This article was written by a company that sells popcorn, with some recipes including dark chocolate. While this could raise red flags for a hidden agenda, they quote a Harvard study from hsph.Harvard.edu which is a credible source.

Dark chocolate: An overview of its biological activity, processing, and fortification approaches - PMC

“Intestinal inflammation is also delayed by cocoa polyphenol by reducing neutrophil infiltration and the expression of the different transcription factors, thus, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is getting lowered. Cocoa polyphenol also possesses chemoprotective effects, antimutagenic effects, anticarcinogenic and antiproliferative effects, etc.” This directly backs up the claim “Dark chocolate is loaded with radical fighting antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamins and phytochemicals…”

Is Chocolate Good for You? | American Cancer Society

It makes a big claim that chocolate may prevent cancer. The American Cancer Society states, “Regardless, the studies have come back with mixed results. Some report that eating chocolate may lower the risk of certain cancers, while others show no benefit. Still others show that eating chocolate increases cancer risk. There is stronger evidence suggesting that eating chocolate may help prevent heart disease. Flavanols have been shown to lower blood pressure and make your heart, veins, and arteries work better”. The “may” in the statement, “May Prevent Cancer”, it's a very strong may. This is a slightly misleading claim as, stated above, results or research varies and contradicts other studies.

Overall the broad idea is true and backed by credible sources, but its benefits are overhyped and have very little impact on one's health. The fact that they end the article with a link to buy their popcorn almost discredits them.

Answer 7

When I read the claim that dark chocolate has health benefits I was very interested. I definitely thought this claim was questionable but after research, I found out that this claim is very much accurate. Dark chocolate improves blood flow help lowering blood pressure and reduces insulin resistance. It also reduces inflammation and the risk for heart disease. I got this information from an article by medial news today. The article does mention how even with all these benefits it is hard to know how easily this affects you because a majority of the cocoa we eat is highly processed. 

Answer 8

Dark Chocolate contains antioxidants that can help protect against free radicles. They can also reduce stress, and support heart health. Many studies suggest that eating dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. These are valid claims why dark chocolate is good for you. Dark chocolate has antioxidants that can play a role in cancer prevention but this study isn't fully researched yet. 

Some may claim that dark chocolate can increase blood clots but research shows differently. It can actually reduce platelet aggregation that can lower the risk of blood clots. All of these benefits make dark chocolate a potential healthy treat if it is consumed in moderation. 

The sources I used were; 

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/is-dark-chocolate-bad-for-your-health-what-we-know

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dark-chocolate-health-benefits

Answer 9

This claim is true. Dark chocolate can have health benefits depending on the variety and the frequency in which you are eating it. Although this person used a source that does not seem to have the most credibility, I found an article from Healthline and an article from UC Davis health that explained the benefits to eating chocolate. Both of these articles specified that dark chocolate is best, especially one with a higher cacao content. They both claimed that it can deliver antioxidants and minerals and can even help prevent from heart disease. Depending on the variety of chocolate that you are eating, it could also have a lot of sugar and calories, which isn’t the best for your health, but if you are eating it in moderation with a high % of cacao it seems like it does have some great benefits for your health.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/dark-chocolate-health-benefits-the-good-and-the-bad-to-this-sweet-treat/2023/02

Answer 10

After doing my research, I would have to partially agree with the posted comment that dark chocolate has health benefits; this is because nothing is healthy in moderation. Although sources like WebMD explain how dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can benefit heart health, reduce your risk of diabetes, and improve vision. Dark chocolate also holds many key nutrients that we need in our everyday lives, like magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and copper. However, this does not mean that you should gorge on dark chocolate every single day; in fact, eating too much dark chocolate can cause weight issues, can lead to heart failures, and not to mention the fact that many dark chocolates contain heavy metals. According to a study done by Consumer Reports that tested 28 different dark chocolates, in 23 of those 28, they found that these bars had levels of lead and cadmium higher than the safe maximum daily dose. Overall, dark chocolate does hold many important nutrients, but due to its richness, one should be careful with how much you consume.

https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/

https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/blogs/blog/dark-chocolate-health-benefits?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyfe4BhAWEiwAkIL8sARX5ELuJqPL1WAgB2Nqjli3baBFzYsFJGvYyjy1FH0KdRAbP9jkTBoCYZoQAvD_BwE

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-dark-chocolate