Humanity met simultaneously with chocolate and cigarettes. Both were new flavors brought to Europe from the new continent with the discovery of America.
Until recently, it was widely believed that chocolate was one of the enemies of our health, just like cigarettes. However, this belief has completely changed with recent scientific studies.
The last good news came from the European Society of Cardiology Congress held in Paris last year. British researchers reported that people who eat chocolate are 37% less likely to have cardiovascular disease than those who do not. The risk of “stroke” was also 29% lower in those who ate chocolate, according to the study results.
Dr Adrian Buitrago-Lopez, one of the researchers involved in this scientific study at Cambridge University, says; “Of course, we do not recommend consuming a lot of chocolate, but it is undeniable that those who eat small amounts of chocolate have a lower risk of heart disease than those who do not.”
The results of the study really should not be underestimated. Because the study is actually a meta-analysis of multiple clinical studies. In other words, the final result obtained from the study is obtained by interpreting 7 different clinical studies together.
The study reveals that this effect is independent of the chocolate type. If you look at the evaluation results, consuming dark or milk chocolate contributes to the prevention of heart and circulatory system diseases at an equivalent rate. Chocolate bars, chocolate drinks, biscuits and desserts all protect our circulatory system with equal effect.
The critical point here seems to be the amount of chocolate consumed. Researchers recommend consuming chocolate only once a day and in small amounts. Because, according to the results of the study, there is no relationship between the frequency and amount of chocolate use and the reduction rates of these risks. In other words, there is no difference between eating a small amount of chocolate and eating a lot of chocolate.
In 5 of the 7 clinical studies that formed the basis of the study, it is clearly seen that the death rate from this disease, as well as coronary artery disease, decreased significantly. What’s more, interestingly, the susceptibility to diabetes decreases in men who consume chocolate, but the similar effect is not in question for women.
If you ask Dr Buitrago-Lopez and his friends, this effect is due to the polyphenols in cocoa. Polyphenols are compounds that have functions such as improving endothelial cell functions that line the inner wall of the vessel, limiting the effects of thrombocyte cells that provide coagulation, and preventing clot formation. In addition to these effects, it also shows positive effects on the regulation of blood pressure, the breaking of insulin resistance and the regulation of blood lipids.
Buitrago-Lopez et al.’s study was published last year in the famous British medical journal, the British Medical Journal, as “Chocolate consumption and cardiometabolic disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis”. Enthusiasts can easily access the article.
Another study supporting the findings of Buitrago-Lopez et al. was published in 2010 by Australian scientists. This was a meta-analysis just like the first study I summarized, and an evaluation was made based on the results of a total of 13 studies.
This study was about chocolate and dark chocolate with high flavanol content, which is found in cocoa and has antioxidant properties, and showed that the consumption of these chocolates contributes to the regulation of blood pressure. The decrease in blood pressure was also valid for both high (systolic) and low (diastolic) blood pressure values. However, this effect was not in question for individuals whose blood pressure was below 140 systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic. In other words, chocolate did not cause blood pressure values to decrease further in those with normal blood pressure.
The latest scientific data has put chocolate lovers like me at ease.
So what are we waiting for, ladies and gentlemen who love chocolate; let’s go to the chocolate.
But let’s not forget, just once a day and a small amount…
