Have a heart, grab some chocolate

Scientists at YALE Prevention Research Center say their research, conducted on a sample of healthy adults, revealed that consumption of dark chocolate over a short period significantly improves blood vessel function. While researchers cautioned against bingeing, they said the findings of the trial were clear and called for larger studies to confirm the results. During the six-week trial, 45 people were given eight ounces 227 grams of cocoa without sugar, cocoa with sugar or a placebo each day. An upper arm artery8217;s ability to relax and expand to accommodate increased blood flow 8212; known as flow mediated dilation or FMD 8212; was measured using high-frequency ultrasound before and after daily cocoa or placebo consumption. Of the 39 subjects who completed the trial, FMD improved significantly in both cocoa groups 8212; by 2.4 per cent among those who had it without sugar and 1.5 per cent among those who had it with sugar. It dropped 0.8 per cent in the placebo group.

What8217;s healthy about dark chocolate?

Studies in the last four years study have reported health benefits of chocolate. One study showed that a substance in cocoa helps the body process nitric oxide, a compound critical for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Another study showed that flavonols in cocoa prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from oxidising and clogging the arteries, and make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause clots. Studies also show that cocoa powder, dark chocolate and milk chocolate have higher Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity ORAC values than many common foods, such as prunes and blueberries. ORAC values measure how powerful an antioxidant a substance is. Antioxidants prevent oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides, protecting the body from the deleterious effects of free radicals.

Do doctors agree?

No, not always. 8220;The benefits of flavanols and the antioxidant properties in chocolate are fine but we have to be careful and see who is sponsoring the study,8221; said Dr Anoop Misra, head of department of diabetes and metabolism in Fortis Hospital, Delhi.

The fine print

But before you order yourself a scrumptious chocolate pastry, hold on. Scientists have also noted that most commercially produced chocolate contains high levels of fats and sugars 8212; which could negate its beneficial effects. 8220;How much of chocolate intake is optimum? It is like alcohol. One drink is fine but three can be extremely harmful. Again, how many calories will cocoa add when combined with sugar?8221; asks Dr Misra. The best way, he says, is to have other foods with high antioxidants and flavanols. Flavanols are also found in apples and other plant-based products such as wine and green tea.