Diet is a key life-style factor in the development of
cardiometabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Based on observational evidence, and as published in the British Medical Journal, increased levels of chocolate consumption seem
to be associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiometabolic
disorders.
Recent studies, both observational and experimental, have
suggested that chocolate consumption has a favorable effect on human health. Cocoa
products have a positive effect on blood pressure, cholesterol levels,
atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. It is not clear if chocolate
consumption is related to a decrease in heart attacks or stroke. The
advantageous effects seem to be mediated by the high content of polyphenols
present in cocoa products; these in turn lead to the increased bioavailability
of nitric oxide resulting in beneficial effects on blood pressure, insulin
resistance and blood lipids.
Unfortunately, one has to consider other aspects associated
with chocolate consumption. Commercially available chocolate products have a
lot of calories (from sugar and fat) and excessive ingestion will induce weight
gain (a risk factor for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes).
It’s possible that chocolate might be a delicious therapy to
prevent cardiometabolic disorders if consumed in moderation and if efforts are
made to reduce the sugar and fat content of currently available products.
To read more: BMJ, 29 Aug 2011
For more fun: Growing Up on the Chocolate Diet by Lora Brody
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