diabetes, were less physically active,
and had diets with the least amount of
fat compared to chocolate eaters.
Most of the previous studies on the
chocolate-heart connection found that
only dark chocolate offered any cardiovascular
protection. In the Norfolk
study, any type of chocolate, including
milk chocolate, seemed to have the
same beneficial effect.
BENEFITS OF
FLAVONOIDS
Scientists aren’t sure
what it is about chocolate
that seems to boost
heart health. It may be
related to flavonoids,
a type of antioxidant
produced by plants. Flavonoids
are found in tea,
red wine, blueberries,
apples, pears, cherries,
nuts—and they are particularly
abundant in cacao
beans, the seeds of
the cacao tree. Fermenting,
Flavonoids in
cocoa have
been shown
to help lower
blood pressure,
improve blood
flow to the
brain and heart,
prevent blood
clots, and fight
cell damage.
drying, and roasting cacao beans
yields cocoa powder, which is used to
make chocolate. Flavonoids in cocoa
have been shown to help lower blood
pressure, improve blood flow to the
brain and heart, prevent blood clots,
and fight cell damage. They’ve also
been shown to help thinking skills.
NO CHOCOLATE PRESCRIPTION—YET
Patients at risk of heart disease are
typically told to exercise more, and to
eat more vegetables and fruits along
with potentially other suggestions
offered by your healthcare provider. It
does not seem that chocolate will be
prescribed to a patient, at this point
anyhow.
As the Norfolk study researchers
concluded, “There does not appear to
be any evidence to say that chocolate
should be avoided in those who are
concerned about cardiovascular risk.”
When it comes to
chocolate or cocoa
flavonoids, no
recommended daily
amounts have been
set. The European
Food Safety Authority
suggests that 200 mg
of cocoa flavonoids
per day is a good
target for the general
population.
The amount of cocoa
used in chocolate
varies quite a bit. To
find out how much
you’re getting you’ll
have to do some detective work. The
amount of flavonoids in chocolate is
not always listed.
Your best bet is to stick with dark
chocolate. As a general rule, it has
more cocoa and therefore more flavonoids
than milk chocolate. It also has
less unhealthy sugar and saturated fat.
The higher the cocoa content of a
chocolate bar, the better it is for your
health. Look for bars with 70% cocoa
or more.
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