Sometimes when it comes to high cholesterol, there’s a risk of confusion—leading us to eliminate foods we love which, when enjoyed in moderation and with common sense, could actually help reduce it. This is true of our beloved food of the Gods which, contrary to popular belief, offers many beneficial properties for our body: for instance, chocolate is rich in endorphins that boost your mood! We’ve already talked about dark chocolate and diabetes, and in this article, we’ll focus on the connection between chocolate and cholesterol, in order to debunk some myths and take better care of our health. What are the properties of chocolate against cholesterol? As many know, cholesterol is divided into two types: LDL cholesterol, known as “bad cholesterol” because it can build up on artery walls and block them, and HDL cholesterol, the so-called “good cholesterol” because it doesn’t damage arteries and actually helps protect them. High levels of LDL cholesterol can be reduced, in addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle, by eating a diet low in saturated fats. So, can chocolate and cholesterol coexist? Absolutely yes: the abundance of antioxidants found in dark chocolate has a positive effect not only on the body as a whole—for example, fighting premature cellular aging—but also by protecting the heart and arteries! Chocolate and LDL cholesterol: active compounds and their effects As we’ve seen, LDL cholesterol is harmful to our health because, in excess, it tends to accumulate on blood vessel walls, narrowing them. Among the most significant and scientifically proven benefits of dark chocolate is its ability to help reduce LDL: all thanks to cocoa and its active compounds! Thanks to its high flavonoid content, unsweetened cocoa can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure. Moreover, cocoa’s active compounds, together with stearic acid—a substance found in cocoa butter—help increase HDL levels, the “good cholesterol” that not only plays a protective role but also helps eliminate excess cholesterol.
