Is Dark Chocolate Inflammatory?
3/10
Inflammation score
anti-inflammatory
Category
Yes — it fights inflammation
Verdict
Dark Chocolate has an inflammation score of 3/10, making it anti-inflammatory. This food actively helps reduce inflammation in your body.
Quick facts
- Inflammation
- 3/10
- Category
- anti-inflammatory
- Serving size
- 1 oz (28g) of 70%+ dark chocolate
Key nutrients
Serving & tips
1 oz (28g) of 70%+ dark chocolate
Choose 70% cacao or higher for the most anti-inflammatory benefit. Limit to 1-2 small squares per day. Avoid milk chocolate or white chocolate, which lack the beneficial flavonoids.
Why Is Dark Chocolate Anti-Inflammatory?
Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao) is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. It contains more antioxidants than many fruits.
Key Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- High in flavonoid antioxidants
- May reduce inflammatory markers in the blood
- Can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
- Supports mood and cognitive function
- Contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc
Things to Watch Out For
- High in calories and saturated fat
- Contains caffeine and theobromine
- Added sugar in lower-cacao varieties negates benefits
Got another food in mind? Scan it
Free AI scanner. Get an inflammation score in 2 seconds.
You Might Also Wonder
Explore the inflammatory profiles of other common foods:
Want to Check Another Food?
Use our AI-powered food scanner to instantly find the inflammation score of any food. Just type or scan and get your answer in seconds.
Try Our AI Food ScannerScan a food in 2 seconds. Know if it's healing or hurting you.
Point your camera at any meal, ingredient, or label. Get an instant inflammation score, the science behind it, and better alternatives. All free.
About Dark Chocolate and Inflammation
Understanding how dark chocolate affects inflammation is important for anyone following an anti-inflammatory diet. With an inflammation score of 3 out of 10, dark chocolate is classified as anti-inflammatory in the Flammy food database.
Including dark chocolate as part of a balanced anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers. The anti-inflammatory compounds in dark chocolate work by reducing inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The inflammation score is based on a comprehensive analysis of the food's nutritional profile, including its fatty acid composition, glycemic impact, antioxidant content, and the presence of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory compounds. Scores range from 1 (most anti-inflammatory) to 10 (most inflammatory).