Chocolate Raises HDL Cholesterol

Several studies on chocolate are touting new health benefits. Gram per gram it appears that minimally processed chocolate has more antioxidant power than fruit. In the other study it has now been demonstrated that chocolate helps regulate genes involved with cholesterol metabolism and can directly support increased production of helpful HDL Cholesterol High-density lipoprotein that is one of five lipoproteins that enable cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the bloodstream to the liver and to the adrenals, ovaries, or testes for the production of steroid hormones. .

In the first study researchers at Hershey¹ compared minimally processed cocoa and dark chocolate powders to fruit powders. They found chocolate had more antioxidant activity and a higher concentration of polyphenols antioxidant shown to affect cell-to-cell signaling, receptor sensitivity, inflammatory enzyme activity or gene regulation. Found in many different fruits, vegetables, red wine, grains, honey, and legumes.. The name of their study proclaimed that chocolate was the new “Super Fruit.” They do have a valid point. Minimally-processed cocoa is a rich source of health-promoting substances. They also have a bit of a hypocritical PR problem. The processed chocolate they have been selling for decades is little more than sugar-laden junk food that is void of biologically active polyphenols antioxidant shown to affect cell-to-cell signaling, receptor sensitivity, inflammatory enzyme activity or gene regulation. Found in many different fruits, vegetables, red wine, grains, honey, and legumes..

The second study indicates that regular consumption of minimally-processed cocoa products could contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism² – implying that chocolate may help reduce heart disease risk. This study is the first to show that in addition to cocoa’s antioxidant function which can protect LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. from damage, cocoa polyphenols antioxidant shown to affect cell-to-cell signaling, receptor sensitivity, inflammatory enzyme activity or gene regulation. Found in many different fruits, vegetables, red wine, grains, honey, and legumes. also act as unique regulators of cellular gene function that impacts cholesterol metabolism. Cocoa specifically activates gene signals that promote higher levels of HDL Cholesterol High-density lipoprotein that is one of five lipoproteins that enable cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the bloodstream to the liver and to the adrenals, ovaries, or testes for the production of steroid hormones. while lowering the formation of building blocks for LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. . While this mechanism is not central to how your body makes cholesterol, it is certainly helpful as part of a strategy to keep cholesterol metabolism friendly. 

As with all natural mechanisms that assist cholesterol metabolism, they are overwhelmed by a poor diet with too many calories. This data indicates that minimally processed cocoa products in moderation as part of a healthy diet are cardiovascular friendly.