Eating chocolate could actually be good for you, especially if you are female.
Recent Studies show there is a compound found in the cocoa that can help the body to fight heart disease.
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Protect Against Heart Disease
In a study carried out by The University of East Anglia the amount of flavonoids in chocolate were increased to combat the risk of heart disease in post-menopausal women with Type 2 Diabetes.
Nice Flavonoids
Cocoa in chocolate contains flavonoids are thought to be beneficial for the heart. The University of East Anglia worked with a Belgian chocolatier to create a specially enriched chocolate bar. The modified bar had three and a half times the good flavonoids found in very good quality 70% dark chocolate, Dr Curtis said, the milk based, caramel flavoured chocolate “is very nice”.
Why Women?
University of East Anglia’s Dr. Peter Curtis explains why they are concentrating on this group of women “Evidence has shown that as women go through the menopause their risk of heart disease increases to almost be the same as men. At an even greater risk are those women who have Type 2 Diabetes, they are three and a half times more likely to suffer from heart disease than those without diabetes.
Looking Long Term
The chocolate will be used as added protection for heart disease on top of prescription drugs. Dr. Curtis points out that the study is one which will concentrate on the long term benefits “This is a study which will potentially benefit those taking part but will hopefully give greater benefit for planning future studies and the care of these women who we consider to be at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Too Good to be True?
The study requires women to eat a bar of chocolate every day for a year. Sounds like a good test. But as one woman we asked said “I’d do it if it reduced my risk of heart disease but it sounds a bit too good to be true. You know, if it’s too good to be true it normally is.”
