2014-06-06 09:18:46
The consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels and improvements in this lining may be responsible for the benefits. A recent trial was conducted that included thirty middle-aged, overweight adults in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (1). During the active treatment, they were given cocoa, 22 grams per day (through 37 grams of dark chocolate and a sugar-free cocoa beverage). For part of the trial, they were given items that looked similar, but did not contain cocoa. The treatments were identical in total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, and protein (in other words only the cocoa differed between them). The cocoa treatment improved the properties of the inner lining of blood vessels (as measured by something called basal diameter and peak diameter). It also improved blood flow. Arterial stiffness is usually a quality that is associated with worse heart health. The cocoa was able to decrease stiffness as well. The consumption of cocoa had no effect on fasting blood sugar. Overall, the researchers conclude that the high-flavanol cocoa and dark chocolate treatments are associated with enhanced heart health and improve the health of arteries and other blood vessels.
References
(1) West SG, McIntyre MD, Piotrowski MJ, Poupin N, Miller DL, Preston AG, Wagner P, Groves LF, Skulas-Ray AC. Effects of dark chocolate and cocoa consumption on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in overweight adults. Br J Nutr. 2014;111(4):653-61.