The potential health benefits of chocolate

The potential health benefits of chocolate

Throughout the years, chocolate has been on the end of a lot of bad press because of its fat content, and its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes.

However, "the recent discovery of biologically active phenolic compounds in cocoa has changed this perception and stimulated research on its effects in ageing, oxidative stress, blood pressure regulation, and atherosclerosis. Today, chocolate is lauded for its tremendous antioxidant potential."²

The potential benefits of eating chocolate are said to include: lowering cholesterol levels, preventing cognitive decline, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Chocolate may lower cholesterol levels

Chocolate consumption may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition was carried out to determine whether chocolate bars containing plant sterols (PS) and cocoa flavanols (CF) have any effect on cholesterol levels.³

The study authors wrote "results indicate that regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and CF as part of a low-fat diet may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure."

Chocolate may prevent memory decline

Scientists at Harvard Medical School suggest that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day may help keep the brain healthy and prevent memory decline in older people. The researchers said that hot chocolate can help preserve blood flow in working areas of the brain.⁴

The lead author, Farzaneh A. Sorond, said:

"As different areas of the brain need more energy to complete their tasks, they also need greater blood flow. This relationship, called neurovascular coupling, may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer's."

Chocolate may reduce heart disease risk

Research published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) has suggested that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one third. The report was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris, France.⁵

The authors concluded:

"Based on observational evidence, levels of chocolate consumption seem to be associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. Further experimental studies are required to confirm a potentially beneficial effect of chocolate consumption."

Chocolate may prevent stroke

Canadian scientists carried out a study involving 44,489 people and found that people eating chocolate were 22 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke than those who didn't. In addition, those who had a stroke but regularly consumed chocolate were 46 percent less likely to die as a result.⁶

Recent developments on the benefits of chocolate from MNT news

Teens who eat lots of chocolate tend to be slimmer. Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain found that high chocolate intake among teenagers is linked with lower levels of total fat, compared to those who do not each much chocolate, even when accounting for other factors (including exercise).⁷

Chocolate, wine and berries may protect against type 2 diabetes. Consuming high levels of flavonoids, which is found in chocolate, tea, berries and wine, could significantly help protect against type 2 diabetes, according to a study recently published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Chocolate could prevent obesity and diabetes, study suggests. Researchers discovered that a certain antioxidant in cocoa - the main ingredient in chocolate - prevented mice from gaining weight and lowered their blood sugar levels. Their study was published in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry in February 2014.

Could a cocoa extract prevent Alzheimer's? Researchers found that a cocoa extract - called lavado - may reduce or block damage to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This means that symptoms of the condition - such as cognitive decline - could be prevented.

Dark chocolate 'may improve walking ability for PAD patients'. Numerous studies claim that in moderation, dark chocolate is good for our health. Now, a new study published in theJournal of the American Heart Association adds to the evidence, suggesting that it may help increase walking distance for people with peripheral artery disease.