Valentine’s Day might mean big boxes of rich, decadent chocolates for some folks — but for truck drivers, chocolate is often just another grab-and-go treat to enjoy behind the wheel. However, we’ve all heard the warnings from dentists and doctors: Consuming too much sugary chocolate can lead to weight gain, tooth decay and even heart disease.
But there’s good news, too.
Eating regulated amounts of certain types of chocolate — namely dark chocolates that are at least 70% cacao — can actually be beneficial.
It’s all about the cacao, which offers antioxidants that can prevent damage to your body at a cellular level. Cacao also includes essential minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
6 health benefits of dark chocolate
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, dark chocolate includes a flavonol — a type of antioxidant — called epicatechin, which can be especially beneficial. An article on the Johns Hopkins website cites the following health benefits of dark chocolate:
1) Increases heart health
The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease.
2) Balances the immune system
Flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases.
3) Combats diabetes
Epicatechin protects cells, makes them stronger and supports the processes that help the body to use insulin better, which might prevent or combat diabetes.
4) Improves brain function
Flavonols in dark chocolate have a positive impact on brain function, including better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness and stronger memory. Though research is ongoing, one reason for this may be that flavonols increase blood flow to the brain.
5) Boosts athletic performance
The epicatechin in dark chocolate increases the production of nitric oxide in the blood, which supports circulation and reduces the amount of oxygen an athlete uses while engaged in moderately intense exercise. This allows the athlete to maintain workout intensity for longer.
6) Reduces stress
People who ate dark chocolate reported that they felt less stressed, and researchers confirmed that after eating dark chocolate, there were reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This may be related to dark chocolate’s effects on heart health, since stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
‘Healthy’ chocolate options
That’s not to say it’s OK to gorge yourself on chocolate, tempting as it may be!
For snacking, some experts recommend dark chocolate chips, which offer intense flavor and higher levels of antioxidants and minerals — with less added sugar. You can often find decent options, albeit with higher levels of sugar and added fat, on the candy aisle. Look for labels that specify the cacao content; it should be 70% or higher.
Size matters
According to various studies, the average adult should consume no more than 1 to 2 ounces of dark chocolate each day.
To help you gauge a healthy serving, here’s a breakdown of what an ounce of dark chocolate can look like:
- About 1/4 of a standard 4-ounce bar;
- Two to three small, pre-scored squares from a premium dark chocolate bar; or
- A small handful of dark chocolate baking chips.
The next time you’re looking for a sweet treat at a truck stop c-store, consider swapping milk chocolate for dark. Your heart, brain and stress levels just might thank you.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
