Here’s something to warm the cockles of any chocolate lover’s heart:
If you’ve had a heart attack, seriously consider eating chocolate at least twice a week to dramatically cut your risk of dying of heart disease.
Researchers found that heart attack survivors who ate chocolate at least three times a week reduced their risk of dying from heart disease threefold compared to those who never eat chocolate.
A Swedish study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine was the first to conclude that consuming chocolate can prevent death for people who have already had a heart attack.
Swedish researchers who conducted the research theorize the antioxidants in chocolate, particularly catechins and phenols, are responsive for the protective effect.
I know, it sounds too good to be true, but we’ve known for some time that various components of chocolate are heart protective.
Earlier research has established a strong relationship between cocoa-based foods and lower blood pressure and improvement in blood flow. Other studies show chocolate helps improve mood and reduce the symptoms of PMS.
Almost all studies show that your chocolate should be dark chocolate, which is higher in those crucial flavonoids. Milk chocolate (rich in sugar, which has it own dangers) and even dark chocolate eaten with a cold glass of milk don’t have the same effect.
The Swedish study doesn’t mention specific amounts of chocolate, but for caloric reasons, it’s probably a good idea to limit your intake to not more than 1.5 ounces at a time. A 60% cocoa dark chocolate bar of that size contains 220 calories.
Personally, I go for the 80% cocoa or even higher. I find it’s extremely tasty and a little bit is satisfying, unlike lighter chocolates with sugar that leave us craving more.
As a Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital press release noted, “And remember: Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.”
What’s not to love about this study?
Good news on the chocolate! Which brands do you like with the 80% cocoa and the little bit of sugar? I pour over the candy racks and never know which is best. I don’t like the taste of the ones with NO sugar.