Those with a family history of vision impairment or retinal health issues may fear facing these problems at some point in their lives. However, research shows that not everything is hereditary. An individual's diet can also impact eye health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of dark chocolate for the eyes, including a study involving data from over 500,000 participants that found those who regularly consume dark chocolate (2-3 servings of 30g per week) have a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.
The research paper stated: "Clinical research on the health effects of chocolate has accelerated in recent years, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. The current work of 14 cohort studies, involving 508,705 participants from six countries and including 7,267 cases of coronary heart disease, 8,197 cases of stroke, and 13,271 cases of diabetes, provides the strongest and most reliable evidence to date on how chocolate consumption affects cardiovascular disease risk compared to low consumption. Higher chocolate consumption was associated with lower risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes."
In another study involving more than 2,000 participants, the more chocolate they reported consuming (up to twice a week), the fewer coronary plaques they had. Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, explained: "Since dark chocolate contains higher cocoa content, it is a better alternative than milk and white varieties. Although it often still has high sugar and fat content, when consumed in moderation, it can be a good source of iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc, providing a range of antioxidants, flavonoids, and flavones, which can be beneficial for eye health."
In fact, a study showed that dark chocolate can help improve visual perception, and another study indicated that the flavanol compounds in dark chocolate may have a positive effect on blood vessels. Since our retina has many blood vessels, this may also have a positive effect on our eyes. Other research suggests that the flavonoids found in dark chocolate can help reduce oxidative stress, which can aid in protecting the eyes from damage. Copper, also found in dark chocolate, has also been shown to help protect against optic nerve damage.
Edmonds stated that chocolate can provide the following:
- A great source of iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc
- Improved visual perception
- Support for corneal function
It is believed that the cocoa present in dark chocolate may increase blood flow to the brain and retina, which in turn may enhance motion detection and improve the ability to see low-contrast letters. Edmonds concluded: "There are many amazing benefits of dark chocolate, but, of course, it is important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to ensure you receive all the nutrients your body needs."
