December 30, 2002 – In this period conducive to abuse of all kinds, know that there is still a treat that is less damaging to health: dark chocolate, whose regular consumption at the end of a meal, for example, is preferable to that Coffee.
For example, a small study of 23 healthy subjects shows that regular consumption of dark chocolate or cocoa powder has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health. For research purposes, participants included 38g of dark chocolate and cocoa powder in their diet over a four-week period. The subjects experienced an increase in good cholesterol (HDL), an 8% decrease in oxidation caused by bad cholesterol (LDL), and a 4% increase in their antioxidant capacity. A small amount of chocolate is therefore sufficient (one third of a 100 g bar) to obtain good results. But beware, sweet chocolate treats offer no benefit.
Conversely, coffee would be rather harmful. According to a study2 In 191 healthy subjects aged 24 to 69 years, abstaining from the consumption of filter coffee for six weeks reduced serum total cholesterol levels by 5% and plasma homocysteine concentrations (an amino acid which increased in the blood increases the risk of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease) by 12%. These are two risk factors associated with heart disease such as angina and heart attack. Conversely, subjects who consumed more than three cups of coffee per day showed an increase in serum homocysteine and total cholesterol concentrations. It seems that the terpenoids (oxidizable chemicals) in coffee have an upward effect on cholesterol. Coffee lovers, for your health, think chocolate instead!
Stéphane Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
According to Medical News, November 20, 2002.
1. Wan Y, Vinson JA, Etherton TD, Proch J, Lazarus SA, Kris-Etherton PM. Effects of cocoa powder and dark chocolate on LDL oxidative susceptibility and prostaglandin concentrations in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2001 Nov; 74 (5): 596-602 [consulté le 12 décembre 2002]
2. Christensen B, Mosdol A, Retterstol L, Landaas S, Thelle DS. Abstention from filtered coffee reduces the concentrations of plasma homocysteine and serum cholesterol – a randomized controlled trial.Am J Clin Nutr 2001 Sep; 74 (3): 302-7. [consulté le 12 décembre 2002]
