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Q: I recently had quintuple bypass surgery.  Afterward, I suffered from terrible bouts of constipation.  As part of my search for healthy recipes, I found one for hot cocoa using dark cocoa powder.  During recent cold afternoons, I substituted that for my afternoon cup of herbal tea.  It is a large tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa with a little honey, mixed with boiling water and topped off with a little no-fat milk.  I noticed that since I started drinking this, my bouts with constipation have eased quite a bit.  I’ve seen many articles about the health benefits of cocoa but can’t find anything that mentions constipation.  Is the cocoa actually helping my digestive system?

A: Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in many plant compounds (flavonols, polyphenols, quercetin, epicatechin and theobromine).  A surprising amount of research suggests that both cocoa and dark chocolate can make blood vessels more flexible, enhance circulation and improve cardiovascular health (Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Vol. 61, Issue 3, 2021).  There are also studies showing that ingredients in cocoa powder can improve memory and cognitive performance (Scientific Reports, Nov. 24, 2020).  To our surprise, a study reported that the fiber in cocoa “promotes healthier bowel habits” (Nutrition & Metabolism, April 18, 2012).  Cocoa (and dark chocolate) are good sources of magnesium, which is also useful to ward off constipation.  You will find additional remedies in our eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders.  This online resource is available in the Health eGuides section at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.