If you needed an excuse to unwrap your chocolate bar at the start of the school year, here it is: eaten in moderation, this “cuddly food” protects your heart. The European Society of Cardiology promotes the benefits of moderate chocolate consumptionto reduce the risk ofheart failure. The right portion? About 12 chocolate squares per month, no more. 575,852 people took part in this work presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Cardiology which was held in Munich from 25 to 29 August. The conclusions invite the temptation : Eating 12 squares per month can reduce the risk of heart failure by 23% compared to those who do not eat it at all.
Cardiologists recommend not to exceed this limit otherwise the risk of heart failure would be increased (by 17%).
Heart failure is a structural or functional abnormality of the heart leading to an insufficient supply of oxygen to meet the metabolic needs of the various organs, recalls Public health France. It affects between 1 and 2% of the population of developed countries. Its prevalence increases sharply with age from 75 years, according to the European Society of Cardiology.
Flavonoids good for the heart
Why would chocolate be an ally of our hearts? The high content of flavonoids, polyphenols with antioxidant properties, would be at the origin of this virtuous effect according to Dr. Chayakrit Krittanawong, of the Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai in New York and lead author of the study. “Chocolate is an important dietary source of flavonoids, which are associated with reducing inflammation and increasing good cholesterol“, the scientist told Telegraph. This consumption of flavonoids would increase the levels of nitric oxide present in the body, which thins the blood and improves blood circulation.
Notice to gourmets addicted to chocolate: in excess, this food is bad for health because it contains “a lot of saturated fat”. We choose preferably the dark chocolate, with many health benefits, rather than chocolate confectionery rich in sugars and bad fats.
A recent Californian studypointed out another benefit of chocolate: its consumption would help to fight stress, would boost memory and morale.
Read also
Follow Your Heart: A Campaign to Understand Heart Failure
Food supplements ineffective in protecting the heart
One egg a day to protect the heart
