Dr. Roger Corder, William Harvey Research, London UK, has applied for permission to treat patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases with plain chocolate.
Plain dark chocolate has been found to be rich in flavanoids, which in turn help to reduce blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. It has even been claimed to lower one's levels of LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol.However chocolates being also rich in fats and sugars may offset the benefits offered by flavanoids according to some researchers. Flavonoids are also found in many fruits and vegetables as well as tea and red wines.
Dr. Corder himself acknowledges that not all dark chocolates are equally good. He opines that at least a year would be required before it becomes clear which dark chocolates could be used for his study.
Intrigued about the effect of flavanoids on vascular function, Corder recommends the study of these ingredients as well as grape seed extracts on patients with cardiovascular disease.
Corder’s theory has not met with much popularity as most cardiac doctors view chocolate consumption itself as part of the problem for heart patients and others who tend to put on weight.
