The Energy And Mood-Boosting Power of Dark Chocolate

The Energy-Boosting Power of Chocolate

Chocolate has long been regarded as a comfort food, a guilty pleasure, or an indulgent treat. However, modern research has uncovered that certain types of chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, can provide measurable physical and mental energy benefits. Read on to learn more about how the unique properties of cocoa can boost energy levels.

Cocoa Flavanols: The Key to Chocolate Energy

Cocoa beans naturally contain compounds called cocoa flavanols. These flavanols have been shown to promote circulation, improve blood flow, and support other cardiovascular functions. As a result, consuming dark chocolate and other high-flavanol cocoa products can provide an energy boost.

Research has demonstrated that cocoa flavanols increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, causing blood vessels to dilate. This improves overall circulation. Better circulation means the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to be efficiently delivered to muscles and organs.

Dark Chocolate Outperforms Milk Chocolate

Not all chocolate is created equal when it comes to energizing effects. Dark chocolate contains substantially higher amounts of cocoa flavanols compared to milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is made from cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and sometimes a mild sweetener. It retains high concentrations of the natural occurring cocoa flavanols.

In contrast, milk chocolate also contains milk solids, extra sugars, and fats. While still delicious, these added ingredients dilute the cocoa flavanol content. So while any chocolate may provide a short mental boost simply from its sweet taste and allure, only dark chocolate has been shown to impart lasting physical energy.

Improved Mental Performance

In addition to improving circulation, emerging research shows that cocoa flavanols may boost oxygen flow to the brain. An energized brain network translates to better focus and concentration, improved reflexes, and faster processing speed.

Studies demonstrate that consuming dark chocolate can measurably enhance performance on demanding cognitive tasks. Participants scored better on tests measuring attention span, reaction time, memory, and problem solving after ingesting dark chocolate versus milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Boosted Mood

The feel-good chemicals that the brain releases when you eat chocolate aren't just imaginary. Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, neurotransmitters that induce feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Additionally, chemicals found in cocoa trigger the release of serotonin, the mood-enhancing hormone.

As a result, regularly eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. By elevating your overall mood, dark chocolate can give you increased motivation and drive even when you are low on sleep or under stress.

Choosing the Right Energy-Boosting Chocolate

Now that you know that the flavanols in cocoa can provide real mental and physical energy improvements, what type of chocolate should you choose?

Seek Out Quality Ingredients

First, scrutinize any chocolate product for quality ingredients. The highest quality dark chocolate is made from just cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and sometimes sugar. Avoid products with long ingredients lists full of emulsifiers, stabilizers, and other additives that will dilute the energizing cocoa flavanol content.

Cocoa Percentage Matters

Many chocolate labels will state the percentage of cocoa contained in the bar. Chocolate with a 70% or greater cocoa content will deliver the most powerful functional benefits. However, even chocolate in the 50-69% cocoa range still retains decent flavanol levels compared to milk chocolate.

Country of Origin

The country where cocoa beans are grown can impact flavanol concentrations as well. Opt for chocolate made from Criollo cocoa beans from places like Ecuador, Venezuela, or Peru. These beans naturally have higher flavonoid levels.

Processing is Important Too

How cocoa beans are processed is a final consideration. Look for chocolate labeled as "minimally processed," "raw chocolate," or "single origin." This means the beans have been subjected to lower temperatures and less processing compared to industrial manufacturing standards.

Gentler processing helps preserve more of the delicate cocoa flavanols, allowing for greater energy-boosting properties.

Energy-Boosting Chocolate Recipes

For an easy energizing treat, simply grab a quality dark chocolate bar with 70% or greater cocoa. But chocolate also shines in so many recipes.

Try using cocoa powder or dark chocolate chunks to amplify the nutritional value of your daily oatmeal. Blend cocoa powder into your pre or post workout smoothies. Stir a few squares of chopped dark chocolate into your afternoon cup of coffee for an invigorating lift.

You can also use the following recipes to indulge your chocolate craving while supporting sustained energy:

No-Bake Energy Bites

Bind nutrient-dense nuts, seeds, oats, coconut, and dried fruit together with melted dark chocolate for a grab-and-go snack bursting with energy.

Chocolate Fruit Trail Mix

Mix dark chocolate chunks or morsels together with roasted nuts, seeds, and chopped dried fruits for an antioxidant and fiber-filled trail mix.

Chocolate Energy Pancakes

Add a spoonful of cocoa powder and chocolate chips to your morning pancake batter. Top with banana slices and a drizzle of peanut butter for extra nutrition.

Chocolate nut Clusters

Melt quality dark chocolate and combine it with toasted almonds, pecans, walnuts or other nuts of choice. Spoon cluster mixture onto parchment paper and drizzle with extra chocolate if desired.

The Takeaway

There’s no longer any need to feel guilty when consuming chocolate. Quality dark chocolate and cocoa products made from whole ingredients provide tangible physical and brain energy benefits thanks to their concentrated cocoa flavanols content. Choosing ethically-sourced dark chocolate made from at least 70% cocoa means you can enjoy an energy boost and mood lift from one of life’s simple pleasures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.