Is Dark Chocolate Good for Arthritis?

Dark chocolate can be beneficial for arthritis in moderation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Choosing varieties with high cocoa content and low sugar is important for maximizing these benefits. For personalized dietary recommendations, always consult a healthcare provider.

A Personal Experience with Dark Chocolate

My journey with dark chocolate and arthritis began in my late twenties when I started eating unsweetened baker's chocolate squares with no sugar. The dark chocolate was extra intense and thick, unlike the sweeter varieties most people are accustomed to. One day, a friend, who was Dutch, tried it and was shocked to find that it wasn't "chocolate" as he knew it.

He laughed and insisted, "That's not chocolate!" Despite the initial discomfort from tasting the bitter chocolate, I found it fascinating that it made me feel a unique physical sensation. Back then, consuming 1 to 3 squares a day would leave me stiff, occasionally experiencing aches and pains in my joints. This was particularly noticeable on breaks where sitting on the grass made getting up slow and painful.

This experience led me to research potential reasons for these effects. Some suggested that copper in the chocolate might be contributing to the joint stiffness, while others argued that it had nothing to do with the copper, pointing to copper bracelets as a potential remedy for arthritis. Interestingly, my mother, who is 97, could easily stand up much faster than me, and my father, who passed away almost 20 years ago, could do so without any difficulty as well.

Discovering the Solution: Boron and Hempseed Oil

After years of experimenting with various remedies, it was the boron supplements that finally provided me with relief. Taking about 10 milligrams of boron each day—either in the form of borax or boric acid—significantly improved my joint pain. Places with low boron levels in the soil often have higher incidences of arthritis, whereas areas with abundant boron seem to have fewer arthritic cases. Hempseed oil, sans THC, which is rich in Omega 3, also proved beneficial for my joint health.

Now, dark chocolate is an important part of my diet, but not in the same way it was before. Instead of the squares, I opt for cocoa powder, which is lower in fatty acids and provides a different kind of benefit. When I do consume the squares today, I don't experience the same stiffness. The sensation of being stiff is no longer there, and my joints feel much more comfortable.

Why Dark Chocolate Might Be a Miracle Food

Initially, dark chocolate made me stiff and sore, which lasted for the first few years. But as time passed, the discomfort became less frequent, and the sense of love and joy it brought remained. In fact, it felt magical. Eating two ounces of a specific food would instantly make me feel head over heels in love for hours. That effect no longer exists, and now I need to think about a special girl to get that feeling. Interestingly, I don't experience arthritis by doing so.

While my personal experience with dark chocolate and arthritis should be taken with a grain of salt, it does highlight the potential benefits of consuming dark chocolate in moderation. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations and always choose varieties with high cocoa content and low sugar.