MORE RESEARCH SUGGESTS CHOCOLATE HAS HEART HEALTH BENEFITS

Another study has found that eating chocolate promotes heart health.  These findings were drawn from 21,000 adults ages 45+ taking part in a 12-year study tracking the impact of diet on long-term health.  At the study's outset participants completed questionnaires that asked about how frequently they eat different foods and then researchers tracked their heart health over the next 12 years. The analysis found that people who ate the most chocolate -- up to 3.5 ounces of dark or milk chocolate per day (more than two regular Hershey bars) -- had a 14% lower risk of heart disease and a 23% lower risk of stroke than those who ate no chocolate.  Most previous research has shown benefits only from dark chocolate, but this latest study included both milk and dark chocolate and most participants consumed primarily milk chocolate.  When the researchers combined their data with that of 137,000 individuals from nine other observational studies examining the relationship between chocolate consumption and heart disease, they found people who ate the most chocolate had a 29% reduced risk of heart disease and a 21% reduced risk of stroke, compared with those who ate the least. Individuals were also 45% less likely to die from heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

The heart health benefits of chocolate have been attributed to its high concentration of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients called flavonoids.  In experimental studies large intake of ~200mg of flavonoids is associated with improved vascular function and decreased blood pressure.  Additionally chocolate contains certain fatty acids that might be beneficial to heart health.  Another health bonus is may come from the fact that chocolate often contains nuts and nuts are also rich in flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy fats.  Both experimental and observational studies have found nut intake is consistently linked to better heart health. 

Researchers cautioned that this is an observational study.  Unlike experimental trials, observational studies cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect link between chocolate and heart health. In the study, people who ate more chocolate tended to be younger, more active, and less likely to have excess weight or diabetes.  Although the statistical analyses controlled for these and other attributes known to impact heart health, it is possible that people who like to eat chocolate do something else that offers heart protection that the researchers did not take into account. For example, it is possible people in worse health tend to avoid sugary treats such as  chocolate because they are more focused on controlling their weight and chronic diseases. The findings also relied on people's own reports of their eating habits, which can be inaccurate, especially if persons believe that their intake of a food is not socially endorsed as is often the case when it comes to sweets consumption among  overweight/obese persons. 

What to do:  At this point, the research on the heart health benefits of chocolate is not conclusive, so do  not rely on chocolate to lower your risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if you enjoy chocolate, incorporate moderate amounts of at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate into a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains/beans, lean proteins, and healthy plant-based fat sources.  An even better option is to skip the sugar in chocolate bars and candy and add baking chocolate or unsweetened pure cocoa powder into your coffee, warm milk, oatmeal, or yogurt.  Heart healthy flavonoids are also found in tea, red wine, red grapes, blueberries, apples, pears, cherries, and nuts.  For more detailed information on this topic, see my post on from February 1, 2014 titled, "The Truth about Chocolate & Heart Health." 

Source:

Kwok CS, Boekholdt SM, Lentjes MAH, et al.  Cardiac risk factors and prevention: Habitual chocolate consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease among healthy men and women.  Heart; published online first: 15 June 2015.  DOI:10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307050

Adapted from articles available at:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_153078.html

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sweet-dreams-eating-chocolate-prevents-heart-disease-201506168087

http://news.health.com/2015/06/16/more-research-hints-at-chocolates-heart-benefits/