2014-04-01 13:34:18-04
Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants. However, it was thought that these molecules were poorly digested and absorbed due to their large size. New research reveals that your gut bacteria breaks down and ferments the components in dark chocolate, turning them into anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit your health. Beneficial gut microbes including Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria “feasted” on chocolate, creating anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation of cardiovascular tissue. A wide range of accumulating scientific research has linked chocolate consumption to over 40 distinct health benefits.