Research Involving More Than 300,000 People Says Chocolate Is Good for the Heart
A study suggests that chocolates help maintain the good health of the heart's blood vessels.
Who says healthy eating only vegetables and fruits? A recent study found that habitual eating of chocolate can be a healthy practice--at least from a cardiovascular perspective.
According to scientists from the Baylor College of Medicine, they found that eating chocolate at least once a week is associated with a reduced risk of developing heart ailments.
The study suggests that chocolates help maintain the good health of the blood vessels of the heart. This was explained by research author Dr. Chayakrit Krittanawong.
Dr. Krittanawong said that in the past, clinical tests have presented that chocolates are advantageous for the blood vessels' lining, as well as for blood pressure.
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Main Objective
One of the main objectives of the was to see if chocolates are impacting the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, specifically the coronary arteries.
And if it does, Dr. Krittanawong explained that they wanted to find out if the impact or effect was harmful or if it was beneficial.
The team of scientists was able to conclude that by combing through a large collection of prior studies that had been conducted more than the past five decades.
All evaluated studies had explored the link between the habit of chocolate-eating and the possible development of coronary heart ailment, particularly coronary artery blockages.
The Link Between Chocolate and Heart Health
Six studies were conducted in an attempt to find the link between chocolates and heart health. All studies involved 336,289 people.
Although the researchers could not say with certainty how chocolate can foster strong blood vessel health and functioning, they claim to have some notions.
According to Dr. Krittanawong, chocolates have heart-healthy nutrients like polyphenols, methylxanthines, flavonoids, and stearic acid. These chemicals could help lower infection and improve the body's HDL or good cholesterol.
The said the research did not investigate further into specific chocolate types--dark or white, for instance--and how one variant could offer more benefits for heart health than the others. The study also did not look into ideal portion sizes.
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A Promising Finding
Dr. Krittanawong said chocolates seem promising when it comes to preventing coronary artery disease. However, further study is needed to determine the amount, and what particular type of chocolate could be recommended.
Still, the team of scientists claimed their findings should not serve as an encouragement to anyone to eat chocolates in large amounts. As in any other aspect of life and eating, the experts said, "moderation is the key."
Moderate amounts of this type of candy appear to protect the coronary arteries, the doctor explained. However, he continued that it is possible that large amounts of it are not helpful.
Consequently, Kittanawong said that calories, sugar, milk, and fat in commercially available products should also be considered, especially among obese and diabetic individuals.
Across all previously-conducted studies, participating respondents had reported their daily chocolate-eating habits.
They were then followed for variation of periods to evaluate their health results. On average, participants within all six studies were followed for almost nine years.
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Jul 25, 2020 07:40 AM EDT
