Chocolate lovers less likely to get heart disease or stroke

A new study in Paris shows that eating chocolate is good for the heart and brain.

Unlike previous studies which found a beneficial effect only from consuming dark, bitter, cocoa polyphenol-rich chocolate, this new study examined overall chocolate consumption without differentiating between dark, milk, or white chocolate. Chocolate in any form was included, such as chocolate bars, drinks, and even snacks like confectionary, biscuits, desserts and supplements.

The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2011 Congress, report that individuals who ate the most chocolate had a 37% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 29% lower risk of stroke compared with individuals who consumed the least amount of chocolate.

The study comprised an analysis of seven detailed research bodies that included more than 114,000 participants. All studies concluded that increased chocolate consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cardio-metabolic disorders, and that cocoa flavonoids have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and blood lipids.

While researchers caution against over-consumption of commercially available chocolate, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes due to its high-sugar content, more and more studies seem to vindicate chocolate's health-giving properties.

Perhaps one day, doctors may just recommend a daily bar of chocolate, along with the proverbial apple, to keep illnesses at bay.


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Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/748688?sssdmh=dm1.714234&src=nldne


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