Chocolate Could Help Slow Aging, Scientists Say

Don’t you love it when there’s good news? Well, honestly, what could be better news to receive on a wintry Wednesday than to hear that chocolate might help slow down aging? That’s right: According to a recent study conducted by a team of scientists at King’s College London, everyone’s favorite treat could help you live longer. If you needed an excuse to buy more of it, well, we guess that’s as good as any. 

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Before you go and stock up on your favorite candy bars, though, it may not be quite as simple as “eat chocolate = live forever.” But hey. It’s nice to know that it’s not entirely unhealthy. Here’s what we know. 

It’s All in the Theobromine

The King’s College study, which was published in the scientific journal Aging, examined the effect of the plant compound theobromine on aging markers in roughly 1,600 European adults. Theobromine, which is naturally present in cocoa, is especially abundant in high-percentage dark chocolate (as well as in coffee) and may have an anti-aging effect that can slow biological aging. The study found that adults who had higher theobromine levels had a lower biological age than their actual, year-by-year age. We guess that it’s chocolate cake for our next birthday, then.

Although this is an interesting and exciting observation, the scientists leading the study were quick to note that it doesn’t mean that you should chow down on more chocolate as a result. “Our study finds links between a key component of dark chocolate and staying younger for longer,” said Professor Jordana Bell, Professor in Epigenomics at King’s College London and senior author for the paper. “While we’re not saying that people should eat more dark chocolate, this research can help us understand how everyday foods may hold clues to healthier, longer lives.” Eating more chocolate could actually hinder a reduction in biological aging, as the fat and sugar content of most chocolates may outweigh its potential benefits. 

Future Developments

While the days of eating chocolate and living forever may still be a way off, the study’s results represent a thrilling development for scientists, who also noted that the research could also benefit and lead to discoveries about disease treatment and prevention. They also observed that further study may be necessary to figure out whether it’s the theobromines alone that are causing this slowdown in aging, or whether it’s working with other compounds in dark chocolate that may make it more beneficial. 

So, as yet, chocolate won’t turn you into the Bionic Man. But it’s good to know that a high-percentage bar might have some more benefits beyond the already-established link between dark chocolate and heart health. Oh, and if you need some advice on delicious dark chocolate, our taste-testers have you covered.