Chocolate is a Health Food
Emma Young 
It's Easter and time to indulge. Find out how chocolate can be a be a super healthy treat that supports longevity
Easter & Chocolate: A Healthier, Happier Way to Indulge
It’s nearly Easter. Do you have a stash of chocolate eggs at the ready? Have you already eaten some? Does this time of year leave you with a feeling of guilt or shame about eating foods you probably shouldn’t? What if I told you that chocolate, especially the right kind, could be good for you?
Before you dive head first into a chocolate bunny, let’s talk about the real star of the show: dark chocolate. This is not the sugar-laden Cadbury’s or Galaxy kind. If this is what you find yourself craving, it is the sugar rather than the chocolate that gives you the pleasure hit and one piece is never enough. It is just how our brain chemistry works, seeking out sugar with no off switch. This is especially true in mid and later life as we become more insulin resistant with the drop in oestrogen making those cravings stronger but more damaging. We’re talking about the good stuff. At least 70%, but ideally 85–90% cocoa solids. This kind of chocolate isn’t just a treat, it’s practically a superfood and supports health ageing.
The Benefits of High-Quality Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains a surprising amount of soluble fibre and is rich in essential minerals like magnesium, iron, manganese, and copper. It's also packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage. In fact, some studies have found that dark chocolate contains a higher antioxidant capacity than many fruits making it a perfect longevity food.
Regular (but moderate) consumption of quality dark chocolate can support heart health by increasing HDL (the good cholesterol), and protecting LDL (the bad cholesterol) from oxidation. It even helps protect the lining of your blood vessels which is another key ageing benefit.
There’s evidence that it boosts brain function and provides prebiotic fuel for your gut microbiome, helping nourish beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia which is a bacterial species involved metabolic health and weight control. It just gets better.
Chocolate contains flavanols, more powerful antioxidants that help skin stay younger with improve microcirculation and blood flow to the skin, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients. Better circulation equals stronger, healthier skin that’s more resilient to environmental stressors.
Some studies have shown that regular intake of high-flavanol dark chocolate can increase skin thickness and hydration — both of which enhance the skin's barrier function and natural resistance to sunburn. Clinical trials have found that people who consumed flavanol-rich chocolate for 12 weeks had a higher threshold for UV-induced redness compared to those who didn’t. So essentially, it acted like a mild internal sunscreen, allowing the beneficial sun properties to be experienced.
Personally, I eat 1–2 squares of 90% dark chocolate most days. If that sounds too intense, don’t worry. Start with 60–70% and work your way up. Your taste buds will adapt — I promise! I haven’t quite conquered 100% yet, but I’m still trying.
The Not-So-Sweet Side: What to Watch Out For
While dark chocolate has incredible benefits, not all chocolate is created equal. Some products, even high percentage dark chocolate, have been found to contain trace amounts of heavy metals like cadmium and lead. This doesn’t mean you should avoid chocolate altogether, but it does mean you should choose your brands wisely. Look for companies that test for purity and are transparent about sourcing. Not forgetting that supporting your liver detox pathways, which is an essential part of a longevity lifestyle, should offer some protection there. If you are concerned about this, a hair mineral analysis test is an easy way to check heavy metal levels in the body.
Also, while dark chocolate can lift your mood and boost alertness (thanks to small amounts of caffeine and theobromine), consuming too much, especially later in the day, can interfere with sleep and exacerbate anxiety in some people. As with anything, it’s about balance. I don’t eat any chocolate passed lunch time as I am quite sensitive to the caffeine having a genetic upregulation of receptors. And as we get older we need to protect our sleep in every way possible.
Guilt Free Enjoyment Is Healthier
Possibly the most important point of all: enjoy your chocolate without guilt. Shame and restriction around food can have a more harmful impact on your health than the treat itself. When we allow ourselves to fully savour a square or two of quality dark chocolate, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, our “rest and digest” mode, which supports better digestion, hormone balance, and mental well-being.
So this Easter, give yourself permission to enjoy the season’s chocolatey offerings. Just choose wisely, eat mindfully, and most importantly — enjoy it. Your body (and your soul) will thank you.
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Categories: : Nutrition