Chococate Flavonoids Exhibit Aspirin-Like Effects on Cardiovascular Health
I already have several previous entries on chocolate. If you’re still not convinced that a moderate consumption of dark chocolate can do you good, well, here’s a new one: the flavonoids in cocoa beans appears to have a biochemical effect similar to aspirin in reducing platelet clumping, which can be fatal if a clot forms and blocks a blood vessel, subsequently causing a heart attack.
The results came inadvertently during the Genetic Study of Aspirin Responsiveness (GeneSTAR) study conducted at Johns Hopkins. The data indicate that daily moderate consumption of chocolate may already have an impact.
[The author] cautions that her work is not intended as a prescription to gobble up large amounts of chocolate candy, which often contains diet-busting amounts of sugar, butter and cream. But as little as 2 tablespoons a day of dark chocolate – the purest form of the candy, made from the dried extract of roasted cocoa beans – may be just what the doctor ordered.
Remember: In everything, practice moderation.
If you found this entry of interest, here are related entries you might also want to read:
CocoaVia Snack Bars May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Chocolate Promotes Cardiovascular Health Among the Elderly
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] Ten days into my calorie restricted diet, I am feeling great and losing weight. While die-hard CR practitioners would probably shudder, I budget three specific foods that many may consider wasted calories into each day’s meal plan: pomegranate juice, a glass of red wine, and a Dove mini dark chocolate piece. The wine and pomegranate juice have been fairly well documented of late. To some extent, so has chocolate. But my latest justification for the treat comes from Eating Fabulous » Chococate Flavonoids Exhibit Aspirin-Like Effects on Cardiovascular Health: If you’re still not convinced that a moderate consumption of dark chocolate can do you good, well, here’s a new one: the flavonoids in cocoa beans appears to have a biochemical effect similar to aspirin in reducing platelet clumping, which can be fatal if a clot forms and blocks a blood vessel, subsequently causing a heart attack.The results came inadvertently during the Genetic Study of Aspirin Responsiveness (GeneSTAR) study conducted at Johns Hopkins. The data indicate that daily moderate consumption of chocolate may already have an impact. [...]
[...] 1. Chocolates: Dark ones for your heart, milky ones for your brain. 2. Oils: Saturated fats are just one part of the equation. Some oils are also rich in Vitamin E. “A fat soluble vitamin, it works as an antioxidant and may lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, protect against heart disease and promote healthy skin.” 3. Potatoes: “Red, purple-skinned and sweet potatoes also are high in carotenoids, which protect against lung cancer and help fight heart disease and diabetes.” And scientists are continuously on the hunt for other varieties of phytochemical rich potatoes. Remember my entry on blue potato chips? 4. Nuts and Nut Butters: Walnuts, for example, are even better than olive oil in preventing heart disease, according to a recent study. 5. Coffee: I’ve covered coffee extensively here at EatingFabulous, discussing its benefits on decreasing risks of diabetes, reducing cognitive decline and many more. 6. Bruschetta: “Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can protect against cancer, heart disease and even macular degeneration.” And then there’s the garlic and olive oil, too! 7. Spices: Large doses of cinnamon may help lower blood glucose, and turmeric has been reported to ease pain in arthritis patients, as well as lower risk of colon cancer. 8. Tea: “Studies suggest that many types of tea, including black, green, white or oolong, may help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.” There are a number of entries discussing the various health benefits of tea here at EatingFabulous, too! 9. Soups: “Just a cup can sneak more antioxidant-packed vegetables into your diet.” Oh, and yes, it’s chicken soup does wonders, indeed! [...]
[...] from being good for the heart and brain, the theobromine in chocolate “may have therapeutic effects when given at the [...]
[...] According to the results of a new study (funded by Mars), naturally occurring compounds in cocoa called flavanols may help those who have type-2 diabetes. These findings are relate to previously documented effects of cocoa/chocolate on cardiovascular functions. [...]
[...] were at 19 percent lower risk than those who ate chocolate less than once a week. Apparently, the heart health benefits of chocolates also extends to pregnant women. Make sure, though that you eat dark chocolate, not the chocolate [...]