Posted
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
I’ve long advocated good-quality dark chocolate in moderation as a health-promoting indulgence, and new research adds further weight to the many studies which support this view. Scientists exploring the association between chocolate consumption and heart health in almost 32,000 Swedish women, aged between 48 and 83, found that those who had one or two small servings a week reduced their risk of heart failure by 32%. However, this fell to 26% when only one to three servings a month were consumed – and to nothing when chocolate was eaten every day. So eating too little – or too much – doesn’t have the same positive effect.
Cocoa is rich in antioxidant nutrients called flavonoids – and it’s these compounds which are believed to protect against heart disease and high blood pressure. The higher the cocoa content of the chocolate, the greater the flavonoid content. So eating 70% dark chocolate is better for you than milk chocolate, which can contain 20% or less cocoa solids. When combined with milk, the antioxidants also appear to have a less potent effect, so opt for dark – and preferably organic – chocolate and enjoy a few pieces a few times a week. 100% Health members can visit my newsletter archives to download an article about the benefits for chocolate, plus some tasty – and healthy – recipes in my March 2008 newsletter. If you’re not yet a member but would like access to my archive of newsletters and my advice articles plus many other benefits please click here to find out more about membership.
Help! I know this is not completely related to chocolate, but it IS about heart disease. I have just heard on Manchester’s Rock Radio that “scientists” are suggesting that statin drugs should be available alongside ketchup and salt and pepper in burger joints to offset the damaging effects to the heart of the “food”!! I am absolutely flabbergasted, and furious! I urge you to get in touch with Rock Radio and put them right! This must not be allowed to get into the psyche of the British people, or we are doomed!!! Please tell me you have already done something to counteract this damaging claim! Many thanks
Posted by jilly.richardson@hotmail.co.uk on 09/13 at 12:20 PM
Of course this is a ridiculous and irresponsible message to broadcast. However, if you read between the lines in the more recent medical journals many experts are starting to back away from statins. Almost all are now ‘off patent’ and there is increasing evidence that the level of risk reduction they deliver is quite minimal in relation to the growing list of side-effects. A few years back there was a similar news story suggesting that statins be added into the water supply. The best way, I always think, of counteracting such pressmongering is to spend one’s time promoting truly effective approaches to reducing heart attack risk such as that discussed in my blog ‘Niacin and Low GL dietbetter than cholesterol drugs’(April 20th).As the Chinese proverb says: It is better to light a candle than rage against the darkness.
Posted by patrick on 09/13 at 01:12 PM
