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In fact, scientists are now saying that there is no evidence to support cutting back on chocolate in your diet as it reduces the risk of heart disease. Cocoa-rich dark chocolate has long been associated with healing processes as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Analysis of the impact of confectionery on health, apparently, shows that they have more advantages than disadvantages.
Chocolate prolongs life – is it true?
The scientists who conducted the study said: “The aggregate evidence suggests that higher chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of future cardiovascular disease. This indicates that not only flavonoids, but also other compounds, possibly combine with milk components such as calcium and fatty acids, and may serve as an explanation for the extension of human life.
There seems to be no evidence that this product should be avoided by those concerned about cardiovascular risk. Research shows that a daily intake of as much as three and a half ounces (99g) – about two Mars bars – is the largest dose.
The findings are based on a 12-year analysis of the impact of diet on the long-term health of 25 men and women. Compared to those who didn’t eat chocolate, higher consumption was associated with an 000 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 11 percent lower risk of death. It was also associated with a 25 percent lower risk of hospitalization or death from coronary heart disease. Among 9 people, the level of inflammation that was measured, those who consume more of this product, apparently, the danger is 16% lower.
The greatest benefit from its use was associated with a 23 percent reduction in the risk of stroke, even after controlling for other potential factors. The researchers also analyzed data suggestive of chocolate, heart disease and stroke in studies involving more than 150 people worldwide. Five of them were found to have a lower risk of both conditions. The findings divided opinion among medical experts about the obesity epidemic. Edin Cassidy of the University of East Anglia said: “Chocolate consumption can reduce the development of heart disease and stroke. This product is also loaded with fat and sugar, so only moderate doses should be recommended.”
A new study has added preliminary evidence that eating chocolate in moderation may be good for the heart. The scientists looked at data from almost 21 people who filled out lifestyle questionnaires and monitored their health for more than 000 years. Their average daily consumption was seven grams (11 ounces) of chocolate, ranging from one to 0,25 grams. Researchers found that a fifth of chocolate eaters were 100% less likely to develop heart disease and 12% less likely to die.
Which chocolate is healthier
The study notes that most confectionery consumers eat milk chocolate rather than dark chocolate, which has a higher percentage of protective molecules called flavonoids. This may indicate that some other substances, possibly associated with milk components, such as calcium and fatty acids, may contribute to life extension.
Another issue remained in “reverse causality”: participants who knew they had cardiovascular problems could follow a healthy diet and consume less chocolate. The team also reviewed other published studies covering more than 130 people overall and said they found a similar beneficial association with regular chocolate consumption.
The aggregate evidence suggests that higher chocolate consumption borders on a lower chance of developing future cardiovascular disease. A few squares of this sweet treat is only about 16g, and the average bar of chocolate is about 50g. Non-testing commenters were careful about what they said, but noted that too much chocolate can lead to weight gain (bad for the heart) .
Latest chocolate research
Most recently, Professor Gary Williamson of the Department of Food Science at the University of Leeds produced a list of 20 “essential” foods. Chocolate was at the top of the list. It is rich in natural chemicals known as polyphenols, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease. Gary Williamson said that chocolate can help slow down the aging process by helping protect cells from the natural damage that happens over time.
Epidemiology research studies the protective effects of polyphenol-rich foods. Lack of them in the diet due to low consumption of fruits and vegetables increases the risk of chronic diseases. Partially, chocolate compensates for the need for them. This means that it is necessary to achieve maximum individual lifespan and is therefore vital.
There is growing evidence that a diet high in polyphenols, including naturally occurring chemicals such as tannins, lignins and flavonoids, can help increase a person’s chance of reaching their genetically determined lifespan.
Recent analyzes by scientists in the US, UK and Australia have shown that polyphenols may protect against heart disease. Speaking at his inaugural lecture as Professor of Functional Foods at Leeds, Professor Williamson added: “While they may not be important for growth and development or the maintenance of basic bodily functions, there is growing knowledge of their potential to maintain health or reduce the risk of disease during adulthood. life and during aging.
The effectiveness of chocolate
While there is some thought that dark chocolate can do wonders for your mood, this is one of the first studies (or even the first) to explore the relationship between chocolate and overall well-being.
Scientists at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia looked at a class of nutrients called polyphenols, a structural class of mostly natural but also synthetic organic chemicals.
They focused on how polyphenols affect participants’ cognition.
Seventy-two healthy men and women aged forty to sixty-five participated in the test, receiving a mixture of dark chocolate drink with 500 mg, 250 mg or 0 mg of cocoa polyphenols (all presented in the same packages).
While there was no significant difference in cognitive performance, the researchers did see an improvement in mood in participants who received more chocolate. In particular, those who drank high doses of cocoa polyphenols reported greater calmness and contentment than those who drank other beverages.
At this point, it must be said that small amounts of dark chocolate are enough for this effect, and eating more will just make you gain weight. In addition, the health benefits of chocolate have been shown to be very significant indeed. For example, it is claimed that the product is an aphrodisiac, but there is no research to support this version.
Even its relationship to body weight is not clear at the moment. There is concern that excessive consumption of dark chocolate can contribute to calorie gain and weight gain. The conclusion is simple: chocolate can help improve your mood and even prolong your life, but you should not abuse it.