We have always known that certain foods have health benefits, but now we are closer to understanding the compounds that exist in our foods and how they affect our health. It may come as a pleasant surprise that chocolate is a plant-based food that is currently being studied to better understand its contribution to our health. Preliminary studies suggest that certain chocolates may contribute to a healthy diet.
Polyphenols are compounds found in plant-based foods and beverages. These compounds have been under intense study to understand their role in our health. Epidemiological studies have found a reverse correlation with the intake of various flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenols, and heart disease.(1)
In order to understand the role that flavonoids play in human health, it is imperative to be able to identify and quantify them in our food supply. Flavonoids are found in cocoa and chocolate, as well as in other commonly consumed foods such as apples, red wine, tea, blueberries and cranberry juice.
Analytical tools have identified a complex grouping of the compounds in cocoa and chocolate called oligomers. Oligomeric flavonoids typically occur in low levels in plants and thus create great interest in understanding what, if any, health significance they may have. Recent oxygen-radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) data shows cocoa and chocolate to have potent antioxidant potential. A newly published study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows a very strong and significant correlation between the flavonoids found in cocoa and the ORAC values (R2=0.994). This leads researchers to believe that it is mainly the flavonoids in cocoa and chocolate that contribute to their antioxidant potential.
1 Hertog, M.G.L.; Kromhout, D.; Aravanis, C.; Blackburn, H.; Buzina, R.; Fidanza, F.; Giampaoli, S.; Jansen, A.; Menotti, A.; Nedeljkovic, S.; Pekkarinen, M.; Simic, B.S.; Toshima, H.; Feskens, E.J.M.; Hollman, P.C.H.; Katan, M.B.; Arch. Intern. Med. 1995; 155: 381-86.
Like more information on cocoa and your health?
In addition to the Glossary links for terms on this page, you may be interested in the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the difference between flavonoids and flavanols?
Are cocoa flavanols in all chocolate?
Source: Newsletter of the Chocolate Information Center, Spring 2000
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