(17-04-12) Chocolate reduces stroke risk in women, study finds

by Mary West


(NaturalNews) Swedish researchers have contributed the latest glad tidings to
a growing number of studies indicating chocolate is beneficial for the
cardiovascular system. According to a study published in the Journal of the
American College of Cardiology, scientists found that women, who ate the most
chocolate, had a 20 percent reduction in their stroke risk: USA Today reports.
In this case, the quantity consumed was approximately two candy bars per week.

Author Susanna Larsson explains that the healthful components of cocoa are
compounds called flavonoids, which have antioxidant activity and the ability to
impede the harmful oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad
cholesterol." Since the oxidation of LDL leads to the formation of plaque that
causes cardiovascular disease, the hindrance of this process reduces the risk
of stroke. In addition to this advantage, previous studies have shown dark
chocolate consumption can lower blood pressure and insulin resistance, as well
as help prevent the formation of blood clots.

In spite of the positive findings, Larsson cautions against eating too much
chocolate. She advises that it be consumed in moderation, due to its high
content of calories, fat and sugar. Larsson also states that dark chocolate is
superior to milk chocolate because it has more cocoa and less sugar.

The researchers at Karolinska Institute studied 33,000 women between the ages
of 49 and 83 over a 10-year period. Scientists compared data from the
participants' questionnaires about their chocolate consumption with their
stroke risk to determine if a correlation existed. Results revealed the more
chocolate the women consumed, the less stroke incidence they incurred. The
findings were significant because those who ate 2.3 ounces of chocolate per
week had a 20 percent reduced stroke incidence compared to those who seldom ate
chocolate.

Although the study does not prove chocolate was responsible for the reduced
incidence, after controlling for other stroke risk factors, the results
persisted: Larsson relayed to CBS News. Additionally, she expects the results
to apply to men also. Regardless of the suggested benefit, experts are advising
people to keep the results in perspective and not substitute chocolate for
vegetables.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2011-1...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/11/health-chocolate-idUSL3E7LB...

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20118507-10391704.html

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In evidenza

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