This study confirms earlier evidence of chocolate benefits
For all you chocolate lovers eating chocolate does give you health benefits.
Dr. Oscar Franco, University of Cambridge, fellow of the European Society of Cardiology, member of the Faculty of Public Health and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Group. He has appeared in over 50 international publications, has now completed one of the largest analyses on chocolate.
This analysis consisted of seven different studies with over 100,000 participants. Findings had indicated that those who consume more chocolate have a 37% less risk of cardiovascular disease in comparison to those who eat tiny amounts. It also had revealed a 29% lower risk for stroke.
The studies had followed people in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, United States and Japan for around ten years on average. The study did not concentrate on dark chocolate solely which is thought to have the most health benefits. The studies did include other types such as milk chocolate, milk, desserts, biscuits and chocolate bars.
One theory to chocolates health benefits is due to its large amounts of antioxidants and known anti-inflammatory properties.
Dr. Franco’s own personal theory it helps people relax and enjoy life more which could be contributing to a better quality of life.
The study had also revealed some evidence that chocolate activates the release of endorphins, the bodies own natural pain killer.
Dr. Franco will be presenting his results today (Monday) at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Paris. His paper on this study has been published in the British American Journal.
Dr. Franco does caution this finding does not give the green light for people to devour chocolate like crazy no matter what kind it is. Dr. Franco suggests only two pieces a day is enough while other studies had suggested a small candy bar size of 20 to 50 grams.
Even though the analysis did not separate the kinds of chocolate, Dr. Franco stated it was evident that dark chocolate is the healthier option since it does contain less fat and sugar.
Those advocates of health are worried that this study will give people the wrong message on healthy food.
Senior dietician at the British Health Foundation, Victoria Taylor, had stated “If you want to reduce your heart disease risk, there are much better places to start than at the bottom of a box of chocolates.”
Dr. Franco is not going to apologize for this research, as he views it “You should not keep from doing something that could bring a benefit, just because you are concerned about headlines,”
In November of last year it had been revealed that researchers form Linkoping University in Sweden had found that dark chocolate stops the activity of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which is linked to the bodies fluid balance and helps in the regulation of high blood pressure.
Looks like chocolate is beneficial especially dark chocolate.
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