FDA Approves Dark Chocolate Health Claim
In a validation of the research on dark chocolate’s health properties, the FDA has approved a qualified health claim for the cardiovascular benefits of eating dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate not only tastes good, it’s good for you. Based on their review of more than 30 studies, the FDA has approved a qualified claim that regularly eating chocolate with sufficient concentrations of flavanols reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The review included studies on high flavanol cocoa powder and high flavanol semi-sweet/dark chocolate.
The FDA qualified the approved claim by adding that “there is very limited scientific evidence.”
The UE allows the claim that a daily intake of 200mg of cocoa flavanols can maintain blood vessel elasticity that contributes to normal blood flow.
Though the FDA approved claim is qualified by the limited scientific evidence, there is extensive evidence. The FDA found over 30 studies.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses all of the diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. It is a leading cause of death.
A look threw the studies in our book, Chocolate: Superfood of the Gods, shows just how rich the research is. As early as 2006, a systematic review of 136 short term and population studies already suggested that chocolate flavonoids likely protect against cardiovascular disease (Nutr & Metabol 2006;3:1-12). A 2011 meta-analysis of observational studies, including 114,009 people, found that the people who eat the most chocolate reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by 37% (BMJ 2011;343:d4488).
The research is rich for dark chocolate’s benefits for cholesterol. A systematic review of 42 controlled studies concluded that dark chocolate significantly reduces the bad LDL cholesterol (Am J Clin Nutr 2012 Mar;95:740-751). A meta-analysis of 42 high quality studies has shown that dark chocolate significantly lowers the bad LDL cholesterol while significantly raising the good HDL cholesterol (Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:740-51). A review of randomized studies arrived at the same conclusion (Mol Nutr Food Res. 2013;57:936-947).
Dark chocolate is just as good if you have high blood pressure. Several meta-analyses show that dark chocolate lowers blood pressure even if you have high blood pressure (Maturitas 2011;69:312-321) or metabolic syndrome (BMJ 2012;344:e3657).
Dark chocolate also prevents atherosclerosis because of the beneficial effects it exerts on endothelial function (J Nutr 2011;141:1982-1988), even in people with stage II or worse congestive heart failure who had not been helped by statins (Eur Heart J. 2012;33(17):2172-80).
Putting it all together, a massive systematic review that included 157,809 people in 9 studies concluded that eating chocolate is associated with a significant 29% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a significant 21% lower risk of stroke. It found a significant 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and 45% lower risk of dying if you do have cardiovascular disease (Heart. 2015 Aug;101(16):1279-87).
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For much more on the health benefits of dark chocolate (and tons of delicious recipes), see our book Chocolate: Superfood of the Gods.
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