Chocolate Helps Cardiovascular Function, Heart Benefits
While it was generally known that foods rich in flavanols like chocolate are good for heart health, this study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences established a direct link between flavanol-rich chocolate and cardiovascular benefits.
“The study relied on volunteers from the Kuna Indians, who live on the San Blas islands off the coast of Panama. High blood pressure and other signs of cardiovascular disease are rare among the Kuna. And they are known to consume large amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa—three to four cups a day.
Previous studies found that Kuna who migrated to the suburbs of Panama City on the mainland drink only about four cups of cocoa per week and do not enjoy the same level of cardiovascular health.
The islanders have twice the level of urinary nitric oxide, a chemical associated with healthy flow of blood through the arteries. And those who drank cocoa with more flavanols had higher levels of nitric oxide.
Also, higher levels of epicatechin in the bloodstream were accompanied by improved blood flow. Lab tests showed that flavanols allow vascular tissue to relax.”
Secret to Chocolate’s Heart Benefits Found | LiveScience.
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