December 21, 2012
Dark chocolate flavanols no magic cure for heart health
Cocoa-rich dark chocolate could help
prevent heart attacks and stroke - particularly in men, according
to new research.
Scientists looked at the blood of people who ate different types
of chocolate, including dark chocolate which had
specially been boosted with extra flavanols.
They found that, in the people who ate the flavanol enriched
dark chocolate, the platelet function - or ‘stickiness’ of
the blood – had been reduced, possibly lowering their risk
of heart attack or stroke.
Whilst the effect was seen in women, the results were
more pronounced in men.
Our Senior Dietitian Victoria Taylor said: “The chocolates
that showed benefits in this study are different to the ones many
of us will be unwrapping on Christmas day.
The chocolates that showed benefits in this study are different to the ones many of us will be unwrapping on Christmas day
“While a number of
studies have shown heart health benefits from the flavanols in dark
chocolate,
it’s important to remember that in the
long term, these can be outweighed by the calories and fat that
come with it.
“So enjoy a bit of chocolate as part of a balanced
diet, but remember that flavanols can also be found in
foods like beans, apricots, blackberries and apples that may have
be better for your overall heart health.”
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