Chocoholics now have a justified reason to savour their favourite sweet, for a new study has found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day for just two weeks could reduce the risk of heart disease.
According to the study, a couple of chunks is enough to cut high blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes, both major risk factors in heart attacks and strokes.
A 'Hearty' News for Chocoholics
A food scientist has given chocoholics another reason to savour their favourite sweet by suggesting that dark chocolate prevents heart disease.
A food scientist has given chocoholics another reason to savour their favourite sweet by suggesting that dark chocolate prevents heart disease.
In tests on 19 people, one half who ate just over six grammes a day over fifteen days showed significant falls in blood pressure. But half given white chocolate showed no improvement, reports The Mirror.
Those on dark chocolate saw readings drop from a high 142/90mmHg to 137/87mmHg, a significant decline.
The US and Italian scientists said in the Journal of Nutrition: "It suggests cocoa products may have a positive impact on cardiovascular risks."
Flavanols, present in other plant-based foods such as fruits, red wine, and tea, work by increasing nitric oxide, which lets blood flow freely.
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