Is dark chocolate healthy for liver? (2024)

FAQs

Is dark chocolate healthy for liver? ›

A 2017 study found that dark chocolate consumption improved fatty liver and metabolic syndrome by reducing oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses). Replace sugary desserts with a few squares of dark chocolate after dinner.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered of primary importance in the progression of NAFLD. Consuming dark chocolate can halt oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation seen in NASH, which ultimately leads to Liver failure. Thus, dark chocolate could halt disease progression.

It may trigger migraines in sensitive people. The diabetic patient should avoid dark chocolate as it may raise sugar levels in the blood and interfere with blood sugar control. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid dark chocolate as it contains caffeine and may interfere with growth.

The cocoa in dark chocolate is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it has potential benefits for your heart, brain, gut, and overall health. Dark chocolate has several times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine.

Milk chocolate contains much less, and white chocolate contains none. Dark chocolate is also a good source of soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals (like iron, zinc, magnesium, etc.). In addition, dark chocolate options are lower in sugar, making it less likely you'll eat one right after another.

What is the daily recommended amount of dark chocolate? The recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g, experts say. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories. A 1.45-ounce (41 gram) Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 190 calories.

Choosing a brand with lower lead and cadmium is also recommended. Safer brands include Mast Organic dark chocolate, Taza chocolate, Ghiardelli and Valrhona.

Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which stimulate the lining of the arteries (the endothelium) to produce nitric oxide. As a result, nitric oxide sends signals through the nervous system to relax the arteries, thereby improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Dark chocolate is considered a functional food due to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

What diseases does dark chocolate fight? ›

Some research suggests that dark chocolate may help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, and improve brain function.

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate, in particular, are known to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow and circulation to the heart. They also reduce the risk of stroke and developing blood clots because the improved blood flow makes it more difficult for blood platelets to clot.

Any dark chocolate of 70 percent cacao or higher contains antioxidants, fiber, potassium, calcium, copper, and magnesium, according to a research. But dark chocolate also contains a good chunk of calories and fat, so be mindful of your daily intake.

Fried/fast foods that are high in fat and sugar are extremely harmful for liver health. In addition, consumption of high-salt foods can lead to fluid-buildup and swelling in the liver.

Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which stimulate the lining of the arteries (the endothelium) to produce nitric oxide. As a result, nitric oxide sends signals through the nervous system to relax the arteries, thereby improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.