The antioxidants in cocoa have a positive effect on your gut bacteria in a way that improves insulin resistance.

Cocoa is high in a type of antioxidant called flavonols. They are also found in several plant foods such as tea, spices, nuts, grapes and apples. Cocoa is one of the highest sources of flavonols.

Research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry has shown how flavonols interact with the gut microbiota. After you consume chocolate you are left with long polyphenol polymers that are too large to pass through your intestinal lining and be absorbed as nutrients. However, when the digested chocolate reaches your colon, good gut bugs called bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, ferment and break down these antioxidants into smaller anti-inflammatory compounds that get absorbed into your bloodstream and have beneficial effects against insulin resistance.

The research has also shown that the antioxidants in chocolate help to improve the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining (reduce leaky gut) and reduce the absorption of gut toxins (endotoxins) into the bloodstream. Reduced endotoxin levels in the bloodstream lead to better metabolic health, easier weight loss and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Chocolate can be very good for you if it is high in cocoa solids (at least 85 percent), low in sugar and free of added vegetable fat. You can also obtain enormous health benefits by adding cocoa or cacao powder to smoothies and other foods.

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