Let’s be honest… every time we reach for a piece of decadent dark chocolate, we tell ourselves, “It’s good for me! It has antioxidants. It’s basically healthy!” And while that may be a bit of a stretch… it’s not completely untrue. Recent studies from Japan, England, and the United States are supporting the fact that chocolate actually aids in the fight against tooth decay.
So let’s break it down. What exactly is happening when we eat sugary foods that even causes tooth decay? The sugar from those sweets is turned into acid by the bacteria present in your mouth. Those acids corrode the surface of our teeth which, in turn, can lead to cavities, plaque, and eventually decay if ignored.
How exactly is chocolate different than other sugary sweets? Specifically dark chocolate, houses a compound called CBH. This compound, present as a white crystalline powder, has a chemical makeup similar to caffeine. This, and other compounds found in the cocoa bean husk, have antibacterial properties which help fight against plaque, and can help strengthen tooth enamel which aids in preventing breakdown of the tooth.
Of course, we can’t tell you that eating a handful of chocolate every day is better than eating veggies and fruits and other proven healthy foods. But, it is nice to know that chocolate has many benefits! It does, in fact, provide us with antioxidants, improves our blood flow, may reduce the risk of heart disease, and let’s face it: it makes us happy!
Now, don’t go cancelling any dental appointments. But here at the Chocolate Truffle, we’re all about enjoying a sweet treat without any guilt. We’ve got loads of delicious, home-made sweets to add a boost to your day. So the next time you decide to visit us, remember: chocolate is good for you!
