Cocoa Good for Heart Health
Tuesday February 28, 2006
A study being reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found that older men in the Netherlands who cocoa products on a regular basis had lower blood pressure and a significantly reduced risk of death due to cardiovascular disease - interestingly the men who consumed the most cocoa were least likely to die of any cause. Factors such as weight, smoking, physical activity and alcohol intake did not appear to play a part in the results.
Cocoa contains chemicals called flavan-3-ols, antioxidants that are known to lower blood pressure and improve the cells lining the blood vessels. Because of the lower rates of death from any cause seen among participants researchers are encouraged to look at chocolate as potentially being a preventive agent for other diseases besides heart disease. There are sure to be more studies to follow.
This study is good news for all chocolate lovers (I'm among that group). It is important to remember that moderation is important. Many cocoa drinks have high levels of sugar.