Chocolate

Cocoa and chocolate come from the cacao bean. Cacao is native to South America and has been grown in the tropics for at least 3,000 years. The African country Ivory Coast is the one of the largest suppliers of raw cocoa.

 Cocoa products have been considered delicacies by many cultures. Cocoa contains flavonoids, which are compounds with antioxidant effects, blood thinning properties, and possibly other health benefits. For this reason, and because it is so popular, chocolate is widely researched.

 Chocolate has been studied for heart disease, skin conditions, constipation, and various other conditions. The strongest evidence exists for cocoa's ability to decrease blood pressure.

 High blood pressure

 Since chocolate contains caffeine, eating large amounts may increase blood pressure. However, research has shown that dark chocolate or chocolate with high flavonols decreases blood pressure by a small amount in people with elevated blood pressure.

 Cirrhosis

 (chronic liver disease) Early research has shown that dark chocolate decreased high blood pressure and improved blood flow in the liver.

 High blood pressure in the veins of the liver is commonly associated with cirrhosis. Further research is needed in this area.

 Aging

 Chocolate may be beneficial for elderly people living in nursing homes. Research in area is limited and further study is needed to draw conclusions.

 Anxiety

 Early research produced mixed results for the effects of chocolate on anxiety and stress levels. Further research is needed in this area.

 Chronic fatigue syndrome

 Limited research suggests that chocolate decreased tiredness in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition of severe tiredness unaffected by rest. High-quality research is needed in this area.

 Constipation

 The fiber found in cacao husk may be a noteworthy source of dietary fiber. Early evidence suggests that 

cacao husk fiber may be helpful in treating constipation in children. More studies are needed in this area.

 Dental conditions

 Early evidence shows that using mouthwash with a cocoa product decreased bacteria in the mouth of children. Further research is needed in this area.

 Diabetes

 The effects of chocolate on diabetes and diabetes risk are unclear. Further research is needed. High cholesterol Consuming cocoa butter or chocolate had mixed effects on cholesterol levels. More study is needed in this area.

 Mood

 Limited study suggests that chocolate may improve mood for a short period of time. Further research is 

needed to draw conclusions.