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Heart Health Chocolate consumption helps against atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in Germany with an estimated more than two million people affected. Physicians generally advise a healthier lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise to prevent such diseases. In one study, it now became clear that the moderate consumption of chocolate can also help.
Two million Germans suffer from atrial fibrillation
It is estimated that around two million people in Germany suffer from atrial fibrillation. In order to prevent the most common cardiac arrhythmia in this country, it is especially important that beneficial diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or coronary heart disease (CHD) are treated. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. In addition, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise is recommended. Obesity should be avoided. Researchers now report another option that can help prevent atrial fibrillation: the consumption of chocolate.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in Germany. In order to prevent one should among other things eat well-balanced and move regularly. According to a new study, chocolate can also contribute to prevention. (Image: digieye / fotolia.com) Chocolate seems to be healthier than her reputation
Actually, chocolate is considered unhealthy fattening. In recent years, however, there have been various studies that the delicious sweets certainly also positive health effects certified - especially on the heart.
For example, a US study last year showed that dark chocolate improves cardiovascular health.
In another investigation, there was evidence that even whole milk chocolate can contribute to a healthier heart.
The researchers speculate that this may indicate that not only antioxidant substances such as flavonoids explain the association with heart disease, but also components of milk such as calcium and fatty acids.
Now, another health benefit was shown in one study: According to a Harvard University paper, moderate consumption of chocolate was associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation in a scientific study.
High cocoa content of importance
The experts point out in their communication that previous studies have concluded that especially dark chocolate with a high cocoa content has cardiovascular benefits.
In the recent investigation by Harvard T.H. researchers. Chan School of Public Health evaluated data from 55,502 men and women who had participated in a Danish study. This was done by scientists from Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark.
Those recruited between December 1993 and May 1997 also included health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as well as data on their diet and lifestyle.
Less atrial fibrillation due to chocolate consumption
During the 13.5-year observation period, a total of 3,346 study participants were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that the rate was ten percent lower in subjects who consumed one ounce of chocolate per ounce per month (1 ounce = 28.35 grams) than those who consumed less.
For those who ate a portion weekly, the number was 17 percent lower and those who ate two to six servings a week had a 20 percent lower rate.
With higher - daily - chocolate consumption decreased the health benefit but again.
The results of the study were recently published in the journal "Heart".
No call for excessive snacking
"Despite the fact that most of the chocolate consumed by the study participants was likely to have relatively low levels of potentially protective ingredients, we still found a significant association between eating chocolate and a lower risk of atrial fibrillation," said Elizabeth Mostofsky of Harvard Chan School.
This suggests that "even consuming small amounts of cocoa could have a positive health impact," said the expert.
But "it is not recommended to eat too much chocolate, as it is high in calories due to sugar and fat and can lead to obesity and other metabolic problems," Mostofsky said.
"But a moderate intake of chocolate with high cocoa content can be a healthy choice." (Ad)