Now this is some scientific research we can really get behind: Eating cocoa powder may produce an anti-inflammatory response in the body, according to new findings presented at the National Meeting Exposition of the American Chemical Society today.
For the study, which is not yet published, researchers from Louisiana State University built a model digestive tract and then tested how it broke down different types of cocoa powder (unsweetened, Dutch process, and fermented). When all three varieties reached the colon, researchers discovered that “good†gut microbes—such as Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria—metabolized the nutrients in cocoa powder into easily absorbed anti-inflammatory compounds that cut heart disease and stroke risk. Researchers say that this effect is even greater when cocoa powder is consumed with fruits like pomegranates.
Ready to start eating more—you know, for the health perks? Mix some cocoa powder into yogurt (maybe even with some pomegranate seeds), or try adding some to your cup of coffee in the morning. And if you like baking, try the ingredient in one of these four delicious desserts:
Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Get the Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting recipe.
MAKES 16 SERVINGS Per serving: 219 cal, 9 g fat (5 g sat), 31 g carbs, 170 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein
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Chocolate Stout Pumpkin Brownies
Get the Chocolate Stout Pumpkin Brownies recipe.
MAKES 16 SERVINGS Per serving: 165 cal, 8 g fat (4 g sat), 31 g carbs, 78 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 3 g protein
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Mini Mocha Pots de Crème
Get the Mini Mocha Pots de Crème recipe.
MAKES 8 SERVINGS Per serving: 171 cal, 14 g fat (7 g sat), 16 g carbs, 38 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein
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Frosty Chocolate Milkshake
Get the Frosty Chocolate Milkshake recipe.
MAKES 1 SERVING Per serving: 172 cal, 3 g fat (2 g sat), 30 g carbs, 86 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein