Is Chocolate Bad For Cholesterol? Everything You Need To Know!

Chocolate is essentially made out of cocoa beans, which contain certain plant nutrients called flavanols which are said to have some heart health benefits. This has gained it rather a reputation for helping your cardiovascular system and being good for your cholesterol-related health issues.

Cholesterol And Chocolate: Is It Harmful?

The truth is that most of this healthy content in cocoa is removed during the manufacturing process of chocolate. In fact, the high levels of sugar and fat content in chocolate which makes it calorie-rich, can lead to excess buildup of fat inside your body and raise your cholesterol levels.

Flavanols are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which are beneficial in ways that help regulate your cholesterol levels. The presence of antioxidants called polyphenols prevents free radicals (unstable molecules) such as the Low-density Lipoprotein from damaging your cells or forming plaque on your artery walls.

It regulates everyday toxins formed in your body by regular bodily activities such as breathing, and environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke, polluted air, etc.

In addition to this, studies looking into the flavonoids found in chocolate and cocoa beans- the flavanol, particularly epicatechin, have shown that they have potential influences on vascular health, such as making your blood vessels more elastic, lowering blood pressure, improving blood clotting and blood flow into the brain and heart by making blood platelets less sticky.

Do Commercial Chocolate Bars Contain Healthy Levels Of Flavanols?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. According to studies, your daily portion of chocolate(approx 20g) would need to contain at least 200mg of flavanols, out of which 100mg should be specifically epicatechin, to have similar effects to cocoa.

The processing methods used in the confectionery industry are such that this required amount is not present even in dark chocolate, which contains comparatively higher levels of flavanols than milk chocolate.

Most commercial chocolates are heavily processed to reduce the strong pungent taste of flavanols. The more chocolates are processed, the more flavanols are lost. 

Also, note that white chocolate does not contain any flavanols at all as it is not made from cocoa.

🍫 Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate contains some oleic acid ( a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic acid, and palmitic acid, which makes up the fat content in chocolates that come from cocoa butter. Stearic and palmitic acids are saturated fats, risking a rise in the level of LDL cholesterol which is linked to heart diseases. But, as stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it, and palmitic acid only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate which means it does not have any significant effect on cholesterol levels, there have been several claims that chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol.

🍫 Cocoa And Chocolate

Cocoa And Chocolate are not the only sources of flavanols. They are some types of flavonoids that basically plant chemicals that protect plants from toxins and help repair any damage. It is present in lots of edible plants, such as various fruits and vegetables. The best way to consume enough flavanols is to include food items such as various teas like white tea, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, etc, and fruits like apples, purple and red grapes, and berry varieties in your everyday menus.

Conclusion

All in all, even though chocolate is not as bad for cholesterol as you once believed, it could all depend on your portions. While a small piece of chocolate once in a while could be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, it is advisable to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate or cocoa powder (except for the types that have undergone Dutch processing).

Also, watch out for the extra ingredients and sugars in chocolate bars and cakes. The commercial chocolates that come nowadays in different flavors like marshmallows, caramel, and creams are by no means heart-healthy food choices and can add lots of extra fat and calories. So better stick to the plain dark chocolate squares.