The Sweet Connection: How Chocolate Polyphenols Boost Gut Health

Written by: Sahar Jaleel, Dietetics student, July 2024

When we think of chocolate, indulgence and delight often come to mind. But did you know that your favorite treat could also be an asset for your gut health? Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. The magic lies in chocolate's polyphenols, powerful compounds that offer numerous benefits for the gut microbiome. 

What are polyphenols?

Polyphenols are compounds that are naturally found in plants, including fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, and, importantly, chocolate (Sorrenti et al., 2020). These compounds have strong antioxidant properties, meaning they help protect our cells from damage. In chocolate, polyphenols primarily come from cocoa, making dark chocolate particularly rich in these beneficial compounds (Sorrenti et al., 2020).

Chocolate Polyphenols and the Gut Microbiome

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential, and this is where chocolate polyphenols come into play.

1. Promote Good Bacteria: Polyphenols in chocolate act as prebiotics, substances that feed beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria, like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, thrive on polyphenols, helping them grow and outcompete harmful bacteria. This balance is crucial for a healthy gut (Tzounis et al., 2011).
2. Reduce Inflammation: Inflammation in the gut can lead to various digestive issues and diseases. The antioxidants in chocolate polyphenols help reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells. This can potentially lower the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases and other gut-related problems​ (Garcia-Cordero et al., 2023).
3. Enhance Gut Barrier Function: A healthy gut barrier prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. Polyphenols strengthen this barrier, reducing the risk of leaky gut syndrome and maintaining overall gut health (Corti et al., 2009).
4. Improve Digestion: By promoting the growth of good bacteria and reducing inflammation, chocolate polyphenols can improve digestive health, leading to better nutrient absorption and regular bowel movements (Katz et al., 2011).

The Best Way to Enjoy Chocolate for Gut Health

To maximize the benefits of chocolate polyphenols, opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%). Dark chocolate contains more polyphenols than milk chocolate and has less sugar, making it a healthier choice for your gut (Cani and de Vos, 2017).

Remix Chocolate Bean Bark: A Delicious Way to Boost Gut Health

If you're looking for a tasty and healthy way to incorporate chocolate polyphenols into your diet, consider trying Remix Chocolate Bean Bark. Made from high-quality cocoa beans, Remix Chocolate Bean Bark is rich in polyphenols and offers all the gut health benefits we've discussed. Its delightful crunch and deep chocolate flavor make it a perfect treat that’s not just indulgent but also beneficial for your gut microbiome.

Recap

Chocolate polyphenols are a delightful way to support your gut health. From promoting beneficial bacteria to reducing inflammation, the benefits are impressive. So next time you indulge in a piece of dark chocolate or Remix Chocolate Bean Bark, you can feel good knowing you're also taking a step towards better gut health. Enjoy the sweet benefits!

References

Cani, P. D., & de Vos, W. M. (2017). Next-Generation Beneficial Microbes: The Case of Akkermansia muciniphila. Frontiers in microbiology, 8, 1765. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.01765 

Corti, R., Flammer, A. J., Hollenberg, N. K., & Lüscher, T. F. (2009). Cocoa and cardiovascular health. Circulation, 119(10), 1433–1441. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.827022

García-Cordero, J., Martinez, A., Blanco-Valverde, C., Pino, A., Puertas-Martín, V., San Román, R., & de Pascual-Teresa, S. (2023). Regular Consumption of Cocoa and Red Berries as a Strategy to Improve Cardiovascular Biomarkers via Modulation of Microbiota Metabolism in Healthy Aging Adults. Nutrients, 15(10), 2299. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102299 

Sorrenti, V., Ali, S., Mancin, L., Davinelli, S., Paoli, A., & Scapagnini, G. (2020). Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health. Nutrients, 12(7), 1908. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071908 

Tzounis, X., Rodriguez-Mateos, A., Vulevic, J., Gibson, G. R., Kwik-Uribe, C., & Spencer, J. P. (2011). Prebiotic evaluation of cocoa-derived flavanols in healthy humans by using a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover intervention study. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 93(1), 62–72. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.110.000075

Katz, D. L., Doughty, K., & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 15(10), 2779–2811. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697