Is Chocolate Really Good for You? Here’s What Harvard Has to Say
A look at the science behind everyone’s favorite indulgence
Chocolate lovers, rejoice—but with a little dose of reality.
With headlines shouting that chocolate is "good for your heart" and "boosts brainpower," it's easy to hope that every bite is a step toward better health. But is it fact or just wishful thinking?
According to Harvard Health Publishing, the answer is a bit of both.
The Heart of the Matter: Cocoa & Cardiovascular Health
Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, contains powerful plant compounds known as flavonoids—specifically catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins. These flavonoids are linked to:
Lowering blood pressure
Improving cholesterol levels
Reducing inflammation
Enhancing blood flow
Decreasing insulin resistance
These short-term benefits suggest cocoa may help reduce risk factors for heart disease. However, as Harvard researcher Dr. Eric Ding explains, there’s no conclusive evidence yet that cocoa prevents heart attacks directly.
So yes, cocoa has potential—but your average candy bar isn't exactly health food.
Cocoa & Brainpower: A Sweet Bonus?
Harvard Medical School also studied cocoa’s effect on brain function. In one trial, older adults who drank two cups of cocoa daily for 30 days showed increased blood flow to brain regions tied to memory and thinking. Another study linked high-flavonoid cocoa with better scores in mental and verbal tests among seniors with mild cognitive impairment.
While cocoa doesn’t cure memory loss or dementia, it may offer a brain-boosting edge—especially in high-flavonoid form.
What’s the Catch?
Here’s the bittersweet truth: most chocolate bars contain added sugar, milk, and fat—which counteract cocoa’s benefits. The amount of flavonoids used in studies often equals eight bars of dark chocolate or 30 bars of milk chocolate per day.
Clearly, that’s not a realistic (or healthy) way to eat your way to wellness.
How to Enjoy Chocolate the Smart Way
If you want to indulge while staying mindful, follow these tips from Harvard’s recommendations:
Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content
Stick to a square or two a day for balance
Look for chocolates made with less sugar and no fillers
Explore cocoa supplements or more concentrated cacao-based treats
Where LePaon Fits In
At LePaon Chocolatier, we craft our chocolates with high-quality ingredients and global flavor inspirations—like our Dubai Dreams Bites made with pistachio and kadayif inside a smooth chocolate shell. While we’re not claiming to cure heart disease, we are committed to making every bite feel luxurious and worth it.
So go ahead—treat yourself, mindfully.