A piece of dark chocolate a day may keep the doctor away. According to a new study published in the European Heart Journal, one small square of chocolate a day can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
This study followed approximately 20,000 people between the ages of 35 and 65 for at least ten years. Their findings: this delicious indulgence provides a few health perks. Those who ate slightly more than one square of dark chocolate a day had lower blood pressure and a 39% lower risk of developing heart disease or stroke (compared to those who ate an average of 1.7 grams or less of chocolate a day). Break it down: one square of dark chocolate daily results in nearly 85 fewer deaths per 10,000 cases over a period of ten years.
“The benefits of chocolate have been touted for years, from its origin in Central America as a sacred treasure only fit for kings and high priests to empires that have been built upon its tasty sweetness. Now studies have been done to prove or disprove its benefit to our health. The good news is that it appears chocolate may have a positive effect. The bad news is that only a small amount is indicated for this benefit,” said Dr. Eugene Gorski, a local primary care physician in Conyngham, Pennsylvania.
But that small one-inch square packs a mighty punch, helping to prevent heart disease and stroke if it replaces other energy-dense foods, such as snacks, in order to maintain body weight.
With Easter right around the corner, it’s important not to use this study as an excuse to stock your pantry shelves with chocolate. “In its natural state, chocolate is very bitter and not palatable at all. The sugar that is added to the product to make it taste better is the problem, so moderation is key. The benefit to blood pressure is negated by the excess sugar that is consumed if the individual eats more of the chocolate than is indicated. This is not a license to bite the ears off of every Easter bunny you can find this holiday!” said Dr. Gorski.
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