Dark chocolate is quickly becoming a superfood. Organic extra dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) is packed with nutrition.
New research from England shows that up to 100 g of daily dark chocolate consumption may protect you from heart disease.
The researchers analyzed data from 21,000 people who participated in the EPIC-Norfolk study, which tracks the effect of diet on long-term health on people from Norfolk, England.
The research team also conducted a review of the published evidence linking chocolate consumption to cardiovascular health, which involved almost 158,000 people, including EPIC study participants.
The EPIC participants were observed for an average of 12 years, during which about 14 percent experience fatal or non-fatal coronary heart disease or stroke.
About 20 percent of participants did not consume chocolate, but among others, daily average consumption was 7 g, and some eating up to 100 g.
Higher levels of chocolate consumption were associated with the following: lower weight (BMI), waist: hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, inflammatory proteins, diabetes and more regular physical activity. All of these promote a favorable heart disease risk profile.
Compared to those who ate no chocolate, higher consumption rate was linked to 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 25% lower risk of associated death.
“There does not appear to be any evidence to say that chocolate should be avoided in those who are concerned about cardiovascular risk,” the study authors conclude.
The study showing that daily dark chocolate consumption may protect you from heart disease was published in the journal Heart.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Eating up to 100 G of Chocolate Daily Linked to Lowered Heart Disease and Stroke Risk.” EurekAlert! BMJ, 15 June 2015. Web. 22 June 2015.
2. “Habitual Chocolate Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among Healthy Men and Women.” Heart. BMJ, 15 June 2015. Web. 22 June 2015.
