eMedicineLive

A study published in the Aug 29, 2011 issue of the “British Journal of Medicine” states that consuming high amounts of chocolate is linked to a reduction in the risk of developing heart disease. The study which was presented today at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris has confirmed the results of previous studies that established the benefits of chocolate consumption on cardio-metabolic disorders. The researchers, under the leadership of Dr. Oscar Franco from the University of Cambridge analyzed the results of six cohort studies and one cross-sectional study carried out in 114, 009 human adults, in which the association between chocolate consumption and the risk of outcomes related to cardio-metabolic disorders were reported. 

 

Five out of the seven studies reported that higher levels of chocolate consumption were linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The researchers concluded that there was a reduction in cardiovascular diseases by around 37 % and a reduction in incidence of stroke by almost 29% with the highest levels of chocolate consumption compared with lowest levels. However, they could not establish a conclusive association between chocolate consumption and change in the incidence of heart failure. 

 

Nearly 23.6 million people from around the world will die from heart disease by 2030, according to a rough estimate made by the World Health Organization. The incidence of heart disease can be significantly altered by changing one’s lifestyle and diet. Owing to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that it possesses, consuming chocolate is said to have a positive on overall human health. It is believed to reduce blood pressure and improves sensitivity to insulin. How it affects the heart to reduce the incidence of heart disease remains unclear. The scientists caution that the chocolate available commercially is laden with calories and can therefore lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Keeping in mind the beneficial effect of chocolate on reducing the incidence of heart attack, initiatives should be taken to reduce the sugar and fat content of the commercially available chocolates.

 

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