Dark Chocolate Improves Endothelial Function

Dark but not white chocolate is associated with rapid improvement in endothelial and platelet function at 2 to 8 hours after ingestion.

“The effects of chocolate on cardiovascular health are still a matter of debate,” write F. Hermann, MD, from University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and colleagues. “Chocolate may adversely affect cardiovascular risk because of its effects on glucose, lipids, and body weight or potentially favor cardiovascular health through antioxidative effects of chocolate ingredients, such as flavonoids (present in dark but not white chocolate).” Read more

Cocoa, diabetes, and hypertension: should we eat more chocolate?

by Cesar G Fraga

Biochemical and physiologic associations among hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have grown steadily, supported by basic, clinical, and epidemiologic research. The possibilities for treating these pathologies include pharmacologic approaches, lifestyle adjustment, and diet modification. The identification of foods that have cardiovascular health benefits has become a major public health objective. There is now a large body of epidemiologic evidence that supports the concept that diets rich in fruit and vegetables attenuate or delay the onset of certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and related Read more