We’ll just leave some science right here. We report, you decide (to eat cacao.)
Antidiabetic actions of cocoa flavanols: modulating insulin secretion in β-pancreatic cells and targeting insulin-sensitive tissues because of their insulin-like activity or through the regulation of key proteins of the insulin signaling route. Among other actions, cocoa flavanols have been proved to enhance glucose uptake through the promotion of glucose transport, to repress glucose production, or to improve lipid metabolism.
Perspective on Cadmium and Lead in Cocoa and Chocolate: more work is needed to identify successful mitigation methods.
Identification of the 100 richest dietary sources of polyphenols: an application of the Phenol-Explorer database: A list of the 100 richest dietary sources of polyphenols was produced, with contents varying from 15,000 mg per 100 g in cloves to 10 mg per 100 ml in rosé wine. The richest sources were various spices and dried herbs, cocoa products…
Impact of Coffee and Cacao Purine Metabolites on Neuroplasticity and Neurodegenerative Disease: Downstream xanthine metabolites, such as theobromine and theophylline, may also contribute to the beneficial effects of coffee, tea and cacao on brain health.
Consumption of 85% cocoa dark chocolate improves mood in association with gut microbial changes in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial: two different dark chocolates (85% and 70% cocoa content) were tested in this study. In a randomized controlled trial, healthy adults (20-30 y) consumed either 30 g/d of 85% cocoa chocolate (DC85, n=18); 70% cocoa chocolate (DC70, n=16); or no chocolate (control group, CON; n=14); for 3 weeks. Dark chocolate exerts prebiotic effects, as evidenced by its ability to restructure the diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria; thus, it may improve negative emotional states via the gut-brain axis.
Cocoa, Chocolate, and Human Health: There is evidence that cocoa flavanols may modulate some risk factors related to the metabolic syndrome, such as hypertension and disorders in glucose and lipid metabolism.
The cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate: catechins, procyanidins and theobromine from cocoa, together with added sucrose and lipids.
Dark Chocolate: To Eat or Not to Eat? A Review
Chocolate milk: a post-exercise recovery beverage for endurance sports
The effect of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate on postprandial glycemia, insulin, and incretin secretion in healthy participants: This study indicated that the intake of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate before a 50 g OGTT could enhance early insulin and GLP-1 secretion in healthy participants, and illustrates the potential of cacao polyphenol-rich chocolate in managing postprandial glucose excursions.
Chocolate and chocolate constituents influence bone health and osteoporosis risk: adolescents consuming chocolate had greater longitudinal bone growth. Based on flavonoid and mineral content, unsweetened cocoa powder appeared to be the best option followed by dark chocolate with higher cocoa content in terms of supporting and preserving bone health.