The Effect of Chocolate on Cholesterol Level.
As you probably may well know, your lipid profile is of importance for cardiovascular disease. Especially a high cholesterol level is considered to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The efficacy of cocoa in reducing blood pressure and other positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors have been discussed on this blog for some time now. Also a lot of hypothesis for the working of cocoa and how these positive effect of cocoa come about are frequently posted (Yes I like dark chocolate). Now wouldn’t it be fun if chocolate also reduces the blood cholesterol level.
A recent systematic review of 8 trials involving 215 participants revealed that only those with cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure) who consumed low doses of chocolate there was a cholesterol lowering effect of chocolate. Chocolate did not influence the blood cholesterol level in healthy subjects. There was no dose response relationship.
Disappointed? No, from this study we might conclude that chocolate is not a forbidden fruit for those with cardiovascular risk factors and in all the others it’s not making the lipid profile worse and it may potentially benefit our health. Moreover, this is only for the short term effect (6 weeks), who knows when you look for a longer period of time.
Moderate cocoa consumption may make blood cholesterol move in a healthy direction, whereas higher cocoa consumption may not affect lipid profile
Did it say moderate consumption? But what is moderate consumption?
Lei Jia,, Xuan Liu,, Yong Yi Bai,, Shao Hua Li,, Kai Sun, Chen He,, & Rutai Hui (2010). Short-term effect of cocoa product consumption on lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Am J Clin Nutr
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July 14, 2010 @ 6:24 pm
Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.
July 14, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
Good news for chocolate lovers! I’ve always been a huge fan of milk chocolate but am gradually switching to dark chocolate, since it’s always the dark chocolate with all the health benefits.
July 14, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
You could be right, I hope you will be, but nevertheless scientifically the evidence is not all ready 100%. You can read some of the options on which chocolate may benefit cardiovascular health on a previous post https://www.shockmd.com/2008/06/27/how-does-chocolate-protect-the-heart/
Take care Dr shock
July 15, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
I am a great chocolate lover. Its good to hear that chocolate wont increase cholesterol levels. Thanks for sharing the post.
January 8, 2011 @ 7:50 am
Chocolate and Cardiovascular Diseases
Over 16.7 million deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were recorded globally in 2002. Various studies have suggested that cardiovascular diseases may be preventable by lifestyle modifications such as exercise and nutrition. Various health firms have indicated the importance of diet for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. A diet rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, and chocolate have been shown to have positive effects against CVD.
http://heart-consult.com/articles/191/chocolate-and-cardiovascular-diseases