Lower Your Risk of Heart Failure… Using Chocolate!

Written by: MDHealthGuide Staff | Posted on: Wednesday, January 4, 2012

There seem to be many mixed feelings on the dietary consequences of chocolate, as seen in various health magazines. However, according to a news release put out by The American Heart Association, chocolate can have significant heart-healthy benefits—given the right amount and quality, due to an effective compound called the “flavanoid.”

The study used information over a nine year span, investigating the relationship between risk of heart failure, and the consumption of “high-quality” chocolate among over 31,000 middle-aged and elderly Swedish women. The study ultimately showed benefits of a 32 percent lower risk in those that consumed 1-2 portions per week, a 26 percent lower risk for those who ate 1-3 portions per month, but no benefit when one or more portions was consumed per day.

The definition of “high-quality” chocolate is crucial for understanding this study, as the standards for chocolate vary internationally. Most of the chocolate consumed was by Swedish standards “milk chocolate,” but by their standard contained around 30 percent cocoa solids. The minimum standard for US dark chocolate is an astounding 15 percent—so picking a higher cocoa content is the key to benefit.

Along with picking higher concentration of cacao, the trick to benefiting from these flavanoids is moderation. As shown in the statistics, those who consumed one portion or more per day found no benefit whatsoever—likely due to the negative offset of increased caloric intake. Therefore, the best approach to take is to consider your treat just that, and check nutrition facts for serving sizes.

Chocolate may not be able to eliminate the risk of heart failure, but it can certainly help if consumed appropriately. Combined with a proper diet and routine exercise regimen, it could be an effective step toward preventative health practice.

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MDHealthGuide staff consists healthcare professionals and wellness enthusiasts from general health, fitness, nutrition areas.
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