Chocolate Makes a Healthy Heart
Chocolate Makes a Healthy Heart - The benefits of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, to prevent heart disease increasingly recognized. Recent research shows, the consumption of chocolate in small doses every day can cut risk of stroke and heart attack up to 40 percent.
A number of researchers from Germany reported, people who eat chocolate about 6 grams, or about one square, has a 39 percent lower risk of stroke or heart attack. In this study, the researchers followed the health history of 20,000 people for six years.
Belonging to flavonoids of dark chocolate is believed to be the mastermind of the properties of chocolate for the heart. Flavonoids are a group of antioxidants that are also found in the tea plant, vegetables, and red wine. Research has proven, 1.5-ounce bars of dark chocolate has 800 mg of antioxidants, more of the antioxidants in a cup of tea.
The researchers believe compounds that could neutralize the bad effects of free radicals intent on destroying the cells and tissues. Flavonoids also help the muscles in blood vessels to widen so that blood flow smoothly.
“Maybe a little too late to recommend people eat more chocolate. But, if people want to replace high-fat or sugary snacks with a small piece of chocolate, may be beneficial to his health,” said Brian Buijsse, nutritional epidemiology experts from Germany Institute of Human Nutrition.
Nevertheless, the experts also warned against too much chocolate is consumed against obesity. In fact, obesity itself is a risk factor for heart problems.
“The results of this study do not suggest us to continue to eat chocolate every day because we will become obese,” said Dr. Robert Eckel, a former president of the American Heart Association. He added, chocolate is rich in antioxidants, but still needed more in-depth study to see the immediate benefits of chocolate for heart health.
