Posted on 07/06/2005 8:54:28 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Chocolate lovers, researchers have good news for you. A new study reveals dark chocolate may have positive health benefits for the cardiovascular systems of healthy people.
Scientists at Athens Medical School examined the effects of dark chocolate a sweet high in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants on blood vessel function in 17 young, healthy volunteers.
In the three hours following consumption of the chocolate, researchers found a 7-percent decrease in aortic stiffness. An artery in the arm also dilated significantly more in response to an increase in bloodflow.
The elasticity and stiffness of arteries are determinants of cardiovascular performance and are predictors of cardiovascular risk, according to the study.
Researchers attributed the changes to "improved nitric oxide bioavailability, prostacyclin increase, direct effect of chocolate in smooth muscle cells, or activation of central mechanisms, as opposed to the antioxidant qualities of the food.
Researchers have previously analyzed dark chocolate for other possible health benefits, including a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggesting the treat could improve glucose metabolism and decrease blood pressure.
The authors of the study recommend further investigation to assess any long-term effects of dark chocolate consumption.
I loooove studies with results like this.
Mmmmm - dark chocolate, the only edible kind!
But it said it works on those who are already healthy.
Dark chocolate with a glass of good red wine! A twoffer ;^)
Ping...!
Hey, it's what in your heart that counts, remember?
Amen, brother. Amen! :-)
The sommelier at a local restaurant turned me on to this. It's really different, but good -- if you like them separately you will definitely like them together.
I must go out and buy some dark chocolate for medicinal purposes immediately.
Chocolate may be guilty only by association in this case. I suspect that the sugar mixed with it is the real culprit.
Ping
I LOVE dark chocolate. I couldn't care less about milk chocolate, but will frequently crave that dark, bitter chocolate.
Get the 70% bittersweet chocolate. You don't need a whole lot to satisfy a chocolate craving and you won't get all that sugar.
Why didn't they find 17 old, unhealthy volunteers?!
I am so ahead of my time.........
Yeup.
This is especially good with dark chocolate, or with chocolate chip cookies, although I have never tried dunking them...
Mark
It's not the part that is actually 'in' the swimsuit ya gotta worry about...:)
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