Scientists Say 3 Chocolate Bars A Month Can Prevent Risk Of Heart Failure

Sep 03, 2018

Have you been fighting the battle of the bulge? Do you feel guilty about the junk food you eat? A new study says eating chocolate in moderation may reduce the risk of heart failure. 

According to a recent study presented at The European Society of Cardiology, having three bars of chocolate a month could help reduce the risk of heart failure by 13% compared to those who do not have any chocolate intake in their diet.

The researchers came to this conclusion after 5 studies involving 575,000 participants. Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York came to the conclusion that natural compounds in cocoa called flavonoids help boost blood vessel health and reduce inflammation. 

However, they also warned about the implications of overindulgence. In this study, eating a chocolate candy bar every day led to a 17 percent increase in your risk of heart failure.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Chayakrit Krittanawong from the Ichan School said in an interview, "I believe that chocolate is an important dietary source of flavonoids which are associated with reducing inflammation and increasing good cholesterol."

He further added, "Most importantly, flavonoids can increase nitric oxide [a gas which expands blood vessels, helping circulation]. However, chocolate may have high levels of saturated fats. I would say moderate dark chocolate consumption is good for health."

How can you get the most health benefits from eating chocolate? Nutritionists suggest reaching for dark chocolate. Remember, the good stuff comes from cocoa, not the added sugars and fats in milk chocolate. Train yourself by starting with medium-rich chocolate and working up to full-on dark cocoa.

Chocolate isn’t just good for your heart. It can also be good for your brain. A Harvard study of 55,000 participants found you can reduce stroke risk by up to 23 percent by eating chocolate.

Chocolate isn’t the only “bad” food that’s suddenly good for you. Today, many nutritionists also recommend high-fat foods in moderation. The no-fat diets of the ‘90s are gone! You can sip on red wine, munch on chocolate and enjoy full-fat dairy with no guilt.

Who knew chocolate could be so good for you? What’s your favorite way to enjoy this sweet treat? Candy bars, chocolate syrup or hot cocoa?