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Dark Chocolate is Good for the Heart
Food Consumer ^ | Jul 5, 2005 | Jennifer Castoro

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.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; US: Georgia
KEYWORDS: chocolate; darkchocolate; health
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1 posted on 07/06/2005 8:54:30 AM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

I loooove studies with results like this.


2 posted on 07/06/2005 8:59:18 AM PDT by Mears (Keep the government out of my face!)
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To: nickcarraway

Mmmmm - dark chocolate, the only edible kind!

But it said it works on those who are already healthy.


3 posted on 07/06/2005 9:00:29 AM PDT by little jeremiah (A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, are incompatible with freedom. P. Henry)
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To: nickcarraway
The authors of the study recommend further investigation to assess any long-term effects of dark chocolate consumption.

My butt in a swimsuit would clearly demonstrate the long-term effects of chocolate. Sigh.....
4 posted on 07/06/2005 9:00:49 AM PDT by Millee (So you're a feminist......isn't that cute??)
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To: nickcarraway; Slip18

5 posted on 07/06/2005 9:05:05 AM PDT by Cyber Liberty (© 2005, Ravin' Lunatic since 4/98)
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To: nickcarraway

Dark chocolate with a glass of good red wine! A twoffer ;^)


6 posted on 07/06/2005 9:12:19 AM PDT by Bob Buchholz
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To: nickcarraway; MoJo2001; radu; Brad's Gramma

Ping...!


7 posted on 07/06/2005 9:13:38 AM PDT by HiJinx (Enquiring minds...have fled the journalism profession.)
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To: Millee

Hey, it's what in your heart that counts, remember?


8 posted on 07/06/2005 9:14:16 AM PDT by HiJinx (Enquiring minds...have fled the journalism profession.)
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To: HiJinx

Amen, brother. Amen! :-)


9 posted on 07/06/2005 9:15:37 AM PDT by Millee (So you're a feminist......isn't that cute??)
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To: Bob Buchholz
Have you ever tried chocolate with red wine?

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.

10 posted on 07/06/2005 9:17:46 AM PDT by AnAmericanMother (. . . Ministrix of ye Chace (recess appointment), TTGC Ladies' Auxiliary . . .)
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To: Mears

I must go out and buy some dark chocolate for medicinal purposes immediately.


11 posted on 07/06/2005 9:18:23 AM PDT by Nachum
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To: Millee
My butt in a swimsuit would clearly demonstrate the long-term effects of chocolate.

Chocolate may be guilty only by association in this case. I suspect that the sugar mixed with it is the real culprit.

12 posted on 07/06/2005 9:20:57 AM PDT by Freebird Forever (abolish islam)
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To: Lil'freeper

Ping


13 posted on 07/06/2005 9:21:29 AM PDT by big'ol_freeper ("Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." Pope JPII)
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To: nickcarraway
Now there's a piece of science I can have absolute faith in.

I LOVE dark chocolate. I couldn't care less about milk chocolate, but will frequently crave that dark, bitter chocolate.

14 posted on 07/06/2005 9:24:24 AM PDT by McGavin999
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To: Millee

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.


15 posted on 07/06/2005 9:26:03 AM PDT by McGavin999
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To: nickcarraway
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.

Why didn't they find 17 old, unhealthy volunteers?!

16 posted on 07/06/2005 9:28:26 AM PDT by NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
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To: nickcarraway

I am so ahead of my time.........


17 posted on 07/06/2005 9:32:05 AM PDT by TrebleRebel
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To: big'ol_freeper

Yeup.


18 posted on 07/06/2005 9:34:42 AM PDT by Lil'freeper
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To: Bob Buchholz
Dark chocolate with a glass of good red wine! A twoffer ;^)

This is especially good with dark chocolate, or with chocolate chip cookies, although I have never tried dunking them...

Mark

19 posted on 07/06/2005 9:43:00 AM PDT by MarkL (It was a shocking cock-up. The mice were furious!)
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To: Millee

It's not the part that is actually 'in' the swimsuit ya gotta worry about...:)


20 posted on 07/06/2005 9:59:54 AM PDT by joesnuffy (Does the Red Crescent Society have falafal dollies?)
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