Dark chocolate can prevent heart attack

Long-term study: Dark chocolate lowers the risk of heart attacks

04/06/2012

Dark chocolate can obviously lower the heart attack risk. However, the amount is quite considerable: every day a bar of chocolate with a cocoa content of 70 percent must be consumed in order to achieve a positive effect.

Several studies suggest that regular consumption of dark, dark chocolate can sustainably reduce the risk of heart attack. While subjects in an Australian science study consumed about one bar of dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 percent each day, the likelihood of myocardial infarction was significantly reduced. The researchers report in a study report from Monash University in Melbourne in the journal „British Medical Journal“.

Dark chocolate with a high polyphenol content
In 2013, the study involved women and men suffering from high blood pressure who met criteria for a metabolic syndrome but who have not yet been diagnosed with cardiovascular events. During the ten-year long-term study, the participants ate about 100 grams of dark chocolate every day. The result showed that „Daily consumption of dark chocolate with a high polyphenol content could reduce cardiovascular events by 85 per 10,000 people during the study period“, explained study leader Ella Zomer. Thus, in a group of 100,000 people around 70 fatal and 15 non-fatal heart attacks could be prevented.

Alternative form of treatment to previous medications
According to the researchers, the daily consumption of chocolate could be an alternative to the conventional forms of therapy or be used in addition to the administration of medicines. The main reason for the positive effects are the numerous present in dark chocolate polyphenols, which belong to the group of antioxidants. The secondary plant compounds are certified to expand the blood vessels and thus prevent cardiovascular disease. „Daily consumption of dark chocolate could be an effective cardiovascular prevention strategy for this patient population“, emphasize the scientists in their article. The investigations have shown that the blood pressure and the cholesterol level are lowered by the chocolate consumption.

Polyphenol antioxidants also in fruits and vegetables
Polyphenol antioxidants can also be found in some fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and tea. The positive effect of dark chocolate comes from the cocoa beans, which are rich in polyphenols and especially in flavonoids. It has been proven that flavonoids reduce blood pressure, prevent inflammation and inhibit the formation of thrombi. (Sb)

Read about:
US study: Slim by chocolate?
Dark chocolate with positive effects for the heart
Chocolate reduces the risk of stroke
Chocolate for skin care?
Migraine: Stress or chocolate no triggers
Red wine and chocolate, the new cancer killer?
Chocolate with valuable antioxidants
Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure
Chocolate protects against heart attacks

Image: Simone Hainz