A lot of people who love chocolate have been pleased to learn from another in a series of studies that chocolate may benefit heart health. Todd Neale has reported for MedPage Today "ESC: Chocolate Benefits Touted in Study." Neale reports that according to a meta-analysis chocolate can provide a heart benefit.
It was discovered in six studies that people who ate the most chocolate, which amounted to about two pieces of chocolate per week, had a 37% lower risk of any cardiovascular disease in comparison to those who ate less. And there was found to be a 29% lower risk of stroke in those who consumed the most chocolate.
It has however been pointed out that since most commercially available chocolate products are high in fat, sugar, and calories, eating too much chocolate could counteract any of the potential benefits. Janet Wright, MD, vice president of science and quality for the American College of Cardiology, has said "We tend to take a little bit of advice and think that more is better. In this case, more is probably not better because of the fat content and the calorie content."
Some previous studies, including several which were funded by chocolate manufacturers, have identified potential heart-healthy benefits of chocolate, generally of the dark variety, which is attributed to antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects.
It has also been suggested that chocolate has positive effects on insulin sensitivity, vascular endothelial function, and nitric oxide production. But, chocolate consumption was not related to the risk of heart failure in two studies. Nevertheless, the evidence appears to support the position that chocolate consumption in moderation may be good for your health.
Photographer: Graeme Weatherston
