Dark Chocolate Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Profile

Previously, studies have identified that dark chocolate is a rich source of flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that may help to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Luc Djousse, from Harvard Medical School (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials of flavanol-rich cocoa products or dark chocolate, involving 320 subjects. Five of the studies used daily flavanol doses of less than 500 mg, and five use doses exceeding 500 mg daily. The researchers report that dark chocolate/cocoa products consumption reduced LDL by 5.9 mL/dl, and total cholesterol by 6.23 mL/dl.  The team concludes that: " These data are consistent with beneficial effects of dark chocolate/cocoa products on total and LDL cholesterol. These data are consistent with beneficial effects of dark chocolate/cocoa products on total and LDL cholesterol.”