Study: Chocolate increase blood vessel function

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 383 Location: Italy

The results, presented at the annual American College of Cardiology scientific meeting in New Orleans, add to mounting evidence of the health benefits of dark chocolate.

During the six-week trial, 45 people were given 8 ounces (227 grams) of cocoa without sugar, cocoa with sugar or a placebo each day.

An upper arm artery's ability to relax and expand to accommodate increased blood flow -- known as flow mediated dilation (FMD) -- was measured using high-frequency ultrasound before and after daily cocoa or placebo consumption.

Of the 39 subjects who completed the trial, FMD improved significantly in both cocoa groups -- by 2.4 percent among those who had it without sugar and 1.5 percent among those who had it with sugar. It dropped 0.8 percent in the placebo group.

This doesn't mean people should start eating more chocolate than before but the study only suggest researcher to put better attention on 'flavonoid' rich products.

SOURCE: American College of Cardiology, news release, March 24, 2007
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In vino veritas!

kerismummy · Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 8:54 pm Post subject:

I was always telling people I should eat more chocolate, now I have proof!! supposidly its a small piece of dark chocolate with a small glass of red wine every night to reduce cholesterol. I must be super healthy!! Smile

Kate · Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:36 pm Post subject:

Haha Paula, why was I not surprised to see your comment on Guido's article? Unfortunately I am not crazy about dark chocolate, but I think I better add a little to my diet.
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Life's short...eat dessert first.

kerismummy · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 7:26 pm Post subject:

you know me too well already!!! tomorrow night is red wine with pizza, not as healthy!

Kate · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 6:43 am Post subject:

Ha ha I've got my tricks!
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Life's short...eat dessert first.