Dark chocolate has been well revered as a sweet interwoven with anti-oxidative and antihypertensive properties. Criollo cocoa in particular had a higher concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidants! These nutrients in particular are showing very promising effects that are being noted in studies published in 2025 and the year prior. A few are related to how dark chocolate consumption may be positively impacting the kidneys as well as the performance of runners.
In a recent study participants were asked to eat 1 gram of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or 1 gram of white chocolate to observe the effects to the body. Immediately after consumption and additionally after 2 hours of consumption effects were measured with a Doppler ultrasound and a hemodynamic monitoring system and included a handgrip test.
Results indicated consumption of dark chocolate reduced the renal resistive index, or the resistance of renal arterial blood flow to the kidneys. Consumption of white chocolate in comparison noted no change. Handgrip exercises indicated dark chocolate consumption balances out induced intra-renal vasoconstriction, which is when the blood vessels in the kidneys constrict, overall improving constriction of blood flow. There was no change in blood pressure for dark chocolate consumers, but there was an increase in blood pressure to non-regular dark chocolate consumers, indicating that dark chocolate may play a role in positively modulating blood pressure.
This may also help with magnesium production, given how another recent study including participants with chronic kidney disease noted improved magnesium levels after consuming dark chocolate during a 2 month duration. Participants were given 40 grams of chocolate with 70% cocoa 3 times out of a week for 2 months and stated the positive outcomes.
Dark chocolate may also improve performance in runners! In a study involving runners within the ages of 25 – 55, it was noted improved changes in blood pressure and oxygen consumption. Brachial systolic blood pressure which affects when the heart contracts had a reduction in rate. Diastolic blood pressure which measures the pressure on blood vessel walls during the heart’s relaxation phase had a reduction. Central arterial pressure which interacts with our organs had a reduction in rate. Left ventricular ejection, which monitors how much oxygen-rich blood circulates out of the left ventricle to the organs, had a decreased rate, specifically in runners over the age of 40. Improved oxygen consumption was also noted during performance.
There is speculation of the effectiveness in improving oxygen consumption in athletes who consume dark chocolate, however positive effects on the kidneys and blood pressure still reign supreme! Overall, dark chocolate is a great choice where 1 oz of 88% dark chocolate can offer 3 grams of protein, potassium, and iron!
So eat up, sweet tooth!
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