(07-04-11) Dark chocolate is brimming with antioxidants and heart-healthy properties, research finds

by James Schreiber


(NaturalNews) Ongoing research shows that eating dark chocolate exerts
beneficial effects throughout the whole body. High quality chocolate delivers
disease-zapping antioxidants, lowers blood pressure and protects your heart and
liver, all in one fell crunch.

Chemistry Central Journal brings even more good news for chocolate lovers,
stating that dark chocolate contains more flavanols and polyphenols than fruit
juice. "Cacao seeds are a 'Super Fruit' providing nutritive value beyond that
of their macronutrient composition," said Dr Debra Miller.
Chocolate and Blood Pressure
The important thing is that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can
significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. According to
researchers from the University of Adelaide, flavanols promote vasodilation,
which may consequently lower blood pressure.

"There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of
eating chocolate. We've found that consumption can significantly, albeit
modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for
people with normal blood pressure." added Dr Karin Ried, who is program manager
and research fellow of the PHCRED (Primary Health Care Research Evaluation &
Development) program at The University of Adelaide. The analysis concluded that
the pressure reduction caused by chocolate consumption was comparable to the
effects of 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
Chocolate and Cirrhosis
There are also potential benefits for liver disease patients. Spanish
scientists found that eating dark chocolate lowers blood pressure in the liver
and reduces damage to the blood vessels of patients with cirrhosis.

A study which was presented at the International Liver Congress 2010 divided
21 cirrhotic patients with end stage liver disease into two groups. The first
group received liquid meal containing dark chocolate, while the participants in
the second group were getting liquid meal with white chocolate devoid of anti-
oxidant properties. As a result, the patients receiving dark chocolate
experienced a noticeable reduction of post-prandial increase in blood pressure
in the liver.
One Square Is Enough
However, it is not necessary to eat huge quantities of chocolate in order to
experience all the health benefits. In fact, just one small square a day may be
enough to experience the health benefits chocolate is offering. A study
performed in Germany that compared 19 357 individuals found that those who ate
the most amount of chocolate (an average of 7.5 grams a day) were at a 39%
lower risk of developing a heart attack than people with the lowest (1.7 grams)
chocolate intakes.

To put things into perspective, the six grams of difference are the equivalent
of one small square of a typical 100g chocolate bar.

"Our hypothesis was that because chocolate appears to have a pronounced effect
on blood pressure, therefore chocolate consumption would lower the risk of
strokes and heart attacks," explains Dr Brian Buijsse from the German Institute
of Human Nutrition, who led the research. "Small amounts of chocolate may help
to prevent heart disease, but only if it replaces other energy-dense food, such
as snacks, in order to keep body weight stable."
REFERENCES
European Association for the Study of the Liver (2010, April 19). Potential
benefit of dark chocolate for liver disease patients. ScienceDaily. Retrieved
March 24, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...

BioMed Central (2011, February 10). Chocolate is a 'super fruit': Rich source
of antioxidants. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 24, 2011, from http://www.
sciencedaily.com/release...

BioMed Central Limited (2010, June 28). Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure,
research finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 24, 2011, from http://www.
sciencedaily.com/release...

American Academy of Neurology (2010, February 12). Can chocolate lower your
risk of stroke?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 24, 2011, from http://www.
sciencedaily.com/release...

European Society of Cardiology (2010, April 4). Chocolate might reduce blood
pressure and risk of heart disease, research suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved
March 24, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...

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In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.