Studies and experiments on a specific type of chocolate have shown that consuming it can improve digestive and gut health.
According to the family magazine service of Saed News, different foods have various effects on the body. Recent studies suggest that a certain type of chocolate can improve your mood after consumption, making you feel better. But has science proven this?
Is Chocolate Beneficial for Gut and Digestive Health?
Yes, according to recent studies published in the Journal of International Biochemistry, consuming this chocolate improves mood and gut health, providing numerous benefits to the body.
A randomized controlled study was conducted on individuals aged 20 to 30. It was found that 85% dark chocolate can improve mood and digestive health. Participants were divided into two groups based on the cocoa content of the chocolate they consumed. One group consumed 70% dark chocolate, while the other consumed 85% dark chocolate. The study lasted three weeks, with daily consumption of these chocolates. At the end of the study, negative and positive results were compared, and mood changes were observed. Participants who consumed 85% dark chocolate experienced fewer negative mood conditions compared to those who consumed 70% dark chocolate.
Researchers took the study further to examine the effects of dark chocolate on the gut and digestive system. They concluded that dark chocolate has positive effects on both.
Negative Impact of Processed Chocolates on Gut and Mind
The study also investigated the effects of chocolates containing chemical preservatives and processed ingredients on gut and mental health. It was found that such chocolates might negatively affect healthy gut bacteria and cause mental health issues. However, another study confirmed that healthy chocolate can combat depression, reduce gut inflammation, and have positive effects on the body.
Conclusion
To maintain a healthy digestive system, you can adopt a balanced diet that maximizes benefits to your body. Prebiotic foods, available as dietary fiber, can be beneficial for gut health. Probiotic foods, containing live bacteria and healthy yeasts, are also beneficial for digestive health. Dark chocolate acts as a prebiotic in the digestive system due to its high fiber content.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains about 11 grams of fiber per 101 grams. The higher the cocoa content, the more fiber it contains, ensuring better digestive and mental health.
