A recent huge German study found that chocolate lovers had a 39% lower
risk of heart attack and stroke, confirming earlier but smaller research
reports. For instance, the flavonoids in chocolate reduce blood pressure,
inflammation, and the tendency of blood platelets to stick to each other
(part of the clotting mechanism that causes many heart attacks and
strokes).
The German study at hand included over 19,000 middle-aged
participants followed over the course of 10 years. Researchers studied
1,500 of them in greater detail to clarify the types of chocolate
consumed, not just the total amount. Fifty-seven percent ate milk
chocolate, 24% dark chocolate, and 2% white chocolate. Dark chocolate
has more of the healthful flavonoids, so that may be the best to eat if
optimal health is the goal. Stroke risk reduction was even greater than
heart attack prevention.
But note that it doesn't take much chocolate to reduce cardiovascular
risk. The highest chocolate consumers in the German studies ate an
average of 7.5 grams a day. That's not much at all. The bulk of
prior studies suggested that the healthy dose is about 20 grams every
three days - right in line with the German research. Higher amounts of
chocolate don't seem to help with risk reduction, and might make you
fat. Twenty grams of the average chocolate has 100 calories.
We can't prove yet that
starting a low-grade dark chocolate
habit actually prevents heart attacks and strokes going forward. The
prior studies were looking back in time, questioning people about their
chocolate habit. I've read enough suggestive research reports that I'm
going to continue eating my chocolate, thinking it may do me some good.
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