Chocolate is, without a doubt, one of the earliest luxuries that has managed to maintain its reputation to this day. However, a piece of chocolate might not be the first food you’d put to the list when considering a heart-healthy diet. Researchers are studying if there are any health benefits of chocolate, particularly for the cardiovascular system.
Today, we will discuss various studies on chocolate and heart health as well as some potential benefits of eating chocolate in your diet.
Does eating chocolate make you feel guilty? Well, you might not need to worry anymore!
Despite having a negative reputation for making people gain weight, there are several health benefits of chocolate that you should be aware of. According to some studies, eating chocolate is associated with factors like decreased blood pressure owing to the presence of polyphenols in it – something that can be good for heart health.
# Women who consumed chocolate had a considerably lower risk of having heart failure, according to a 2010 study.
# According to a meta-analysis of research that was published in the British Medical Journal in 2011, eating chocolate was linked to a 29 percent lower risk of stroke and a 39 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
# A 2012 scientific trial revealed that consuming chocolate on a daily basis for four weeks was associated with improved vascular function in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
# A 2012 study on adults with metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure discovered a relationship between daily consumption of up to 100g of dark chocolate and a decreased risk of cardiovascular problems.
# According to a 2015 study of 21,000 participants who were monitored for 12 years, those who consumed the most chocolates had a coronary artery disease incidence that was 11% lower and a cardiovascular death incidence that was 25% lower than those who did not consume chocolates.
# A 2016 study including over 60,000 Swedish people found a link between eating chocolates and a lower risk of ischemic heart disease and heart problems.
# According to a 2017 study, eating dark chocolate and almonds reduced blood lipids like cholesterol in overweight and obese persons.