New data on the benefits of chocolate: even a piece a week protects blood vessels and the heart

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine (USA) published a scientific work that will be to the heart of many. Because we are talking about yet another proof of the benefits of one of the most popular delicacies on Earth – chocolate.

Scientists analyzed six major studies conducted around the world over the past fifty years. Their participants were 336,289 people from the USA, Sweden and Australia. The purpose of all observations was the relationship between chocolate consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). It is this disease that causes heart attacks in most cases, since coronary artery disease narrows the lumen of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood.

The authors of the scientific paper concluded that eating chocolate at least once a week has cardioprotective effect. Those who did not deny themselves such pleasure, other things being equal, coronary heart disease overtook less often. The risk of its development was at least 8% lower, according to the study.

Scientists note that, apparently, the main benefits for blood vessels and the heart are brought by such ingredients of chocolate as flavonoids, polyphenols, stearic acid and methylxanthines. Flavonoids, in particular, epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins reduce platelet aggregation (thereby reducing the risk of blood clots) and generally improve the condition of the endothelium, that is, the inner lining of blood vessels. Other components also inhibit the development of inflammation and contribute to an increase in the level of high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol).

The scientific work states that there is still no exact data on how much chocolate you need to eat to maintain health. heart and blood vessels. The authors remind that attention should be paid to the calorie content, sugar and fat content of chocolate bars, as well as to the state of health and parameters of the consumer himself: age, excess weight, concomitant chronic diseases, in particular diabetes. In short, it is advisable for everyone to consult with their attending physician individually. Most likely, the safest option is to eat dark chocolate with minimal sugar content once a week, the researchers conclude.