Food detail
Cocoa and high-cocoa dark chocolate
Audited source card available
The short answer
Cocoa provides flavanols and minerals; high-cocoa products can contain less sugar than ordinary chocolate.
- Evidence and scope
- Food context; study findings do not grade the whole food.
- Important limitation
- Trials show small blood-pressure or vascular-marker effects for specific flavanol doses; chocolate remains an energy-dense discretionary food.
- Before deciding
- Benefits depend on the edible form and preparation. Added sugar, sodium, refined flour, or deep-frying can change the nutritional profile.
01 / NUTRIENTS & FORM
Nutrient snapshot
The exact food form matters. Raw, cooked, drained, dried, fortified, and branded versions can have meaningfully different values.
Cocoa provides flavanols and minerals; high-cocoa products can contain less sugar than ordinary chocolate.
We have not assigned a specific composition record to this food yet. Values will appear only after the food description, preparation state, edible portion, and serving weight are verified.
How nutrient values will be verified
- Planned display basis
- Practical serving and per 100 g
- Planned nutrient fields
- Energy, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, sodium, and the most relevant micronutrients
- Publication rule
- Show the database, record ID, food form, serving weight, and verification date
02 / RESEARCH
Evidence map: baseline and emerging signals
The current baseline stays visually separate from credible findings that are mechanistic, responder-dependent, small, or not yet replicated.
The general interpretation that does not depend on one unreplicated positive result. An established limitation is as important as an established benefit.
Effect of dark chocolate/ cocoa consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials.
The abstract reports a qualified or outcome-specific signal. It does not establish a general health benefit beyond the tested form, population, comparator, and duration.
- Study design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Tested form / scope
- Mixed food forms
- Editorial interpretation
- Trials show small blood-pressure or vascular-marker effects for specific flavanol doses; chocolate remains an energy-dense discretionary food.
- Screening record
- One relevant human PubMed source was verified and classified. This is a source card, not a complete evidence synthesis or a count of favorable studies.
Educational information only—not medical advice. Allergies, medicines, pregnancy, kidney disease, diabetes treatment, swallowing needs, and preparation safety can change what is appropriate.