Dark chocolate reduces risk of heart disease and diabetes, says study
A new study found that consumption of dark chocolate is good for the heart and could reduce the risk of diabetes.
Dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes in those at risk, says a new study.
Researchers in Australia have found that eating 100 grams of dark chocolate everyday would help those who are at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
The reason behind dark chocolate's good qualities is flavonoids, metabolites that are considered powerful antioxidants.
Dark chocolate has previously been said to contain high-levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants and to enhance circulation.
According to CBS News, the study used a mathematical model based on the Framingham Heart Study, a massive research effort began in the 1940s to collect data on heart health, diet and exercise.
Researchers at Monash University used models to predict the effects of chocolate consumption on over 2000 participants at risk of heart disease, yet they did not have the illness at the time.
Read more on GlobalPost: Sao Tome's heirloom chocolates
The subjects did have early warning signs such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The research calculated the effects of eating dark chocolate with an over 70 percent cocoa content for 10 years, reported HealthDay.
The investigators found that the dark chocolate reduced cardiovascular risk in 85 per 10,000 population over 10 years, reported MedPage Today.
The study only looked at dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Researchers did not consider the negative effects of daily chocolate consumption, which includes obesity.
The findings were published in the British Medical Journal.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.