Nutritional Expert Tim Spector Says Dark Chocolate Can Help Prevent Dementia and Diabetes
Renowned nutritional scientist Tim Spector has shared some sweet news for chocolate lovers: dark chocolate with high cocoa content offers a range of significant health benefits.
The King’s College London professor and founder of the Zoe health app recommends choosing chocolate with over 70% cacao to reap the health advantages, including reducing the risk of conditions like dementia, diabetes, and arthritis.
Spector credits the magic of dark chocolate to polyphenols, natural compounds found in plants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
He explained in a recent Instagram post: “Chocolates that are good quality, with over 70% cacao, are packed with polyphenols, which are really healthy for us.”
The fermenting process used in making dark chocolate enhances these polyphenols, making them even more beneficial.
High Fiber and Gut Health Benefits
Spector also highlights dark chocolate’s fiber content, noting that it contains more fiber than a slice of whole-grain bread. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa contains around 7-12 grams of fiber, which plays a crucial role in promoting gut health.
“Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols such as flavanols, which act as rocket fuel for your gut microbes, enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria,” Spector added.
For those looking to boost their daily fiber intake, Spector suggests dark chocolate as a delicious way to get an extra dose of fiber. According to him, consuming an additional 5 grams of fiber per day can lower blood pressure more effectively than reducing salt.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
Spector emphasizes the importance of selecting chocolate with the highest cocoa content you enjoy, as higher cocoa percentages lead to greater health benefits and reduced sugar.
He also cautions consumers to check for emulsifiers in some chocolate bars, opting for the cleanest options with minimal ingredients.
“Some chocolate bars will contain emulsifiers, so it’s best to check the label and choose the highest percentage you can enjoy to minimize the sugar content and maximize the polyphenol and fiber content,” Spector advises.
So, if you’re a fan of dark chocolate, it might not just satisfy your sweet tooth, but also provide you with a wealth of health benefits—just be sure to reach for the high cocoa varieties!
Dark chocolate’s health benefits are impressive, but meat provides vital nutrients too. Visit our homepage to discover how incorporating more meat can enhance your diet.
