2024-07-04 21:14:39
This is important because all of the listed indicators are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The positive health effects of cocoa or dark chocolate have been identified a new meta-analysis of studies published in MDPI.
Cocoa consumption was also observed to have no effect on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triglycerides, good HDL cholesterol and HbA1c, an important biomarker of diabetes.
The meta-analysis included 31 randomized controlled trials, including data from a total of 1,986 participants.
All subjects in the studies were 18 years of age or older.
A recent analysis showed the moderate effects of cocoa:
– total cholesterol decreased by 8.35 mg/dl;
– LDL cholesterol decreased by 9.47 mg/dl;
– 4.91 mg/dL reduced fasting blood glucose level;
– systolic blood pressure decreased by 2.52 mmHg;
– diastolic blood pressure decreased by 1.58 mmHg.
Chocolate alone will not save
Every 33 seconds someone dies from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US.
Nutrition is closely related to their development, so science is looking for human-appealing foods that could reduce the risk of CVD.
Cocoa has attracted the attention of researchers because it contains compounds that are beneficial to humans. For example, cocoa is rich in flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may support cardiovascular health.
Cardiologist Jayne Morgan, MD, has highlighted more heart-healthy foods. These are fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, berries, nuts, beans, green leafy vegetables, whole grains.”
According to specialists, a varied diet characterized by an abundance of the listed components is a recipe for heart health.
Therefore, if cocoa is useful, it should not be seen as the only necessary ingredient, but as an additional way to protect against heart disease.
Preventive cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein advised sweets lovers to enjoy a piece of dark chocolate, provided that the cocoa mass in its composition is at least 70 percent.
A little cocoa powder can be added to the hot drink – it will be a satisfying and healthy evening treat.
Of course, everything is in moderation. Even dark chocolate, if abused, can be harmful due to its high sugar and saturated fat content.
“In addition, caution should be exercised during pregnancy,” J. Morgan warned about chocolate. They should pay special attention to the amount of added sugar and caffeine in chocolate.
How to evaluate the research findings?
“Even a 2.52 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 1.58 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure is a positive thing,” Morgan said.
At the same time, she expressed concern about the varying amounts of cocoa consumed and the unclear sources of cocoa.
The doctor pointed out that the amount of cocoa consumed by the study participants varied greatly: from 1.4 g per day to 50 g per day.
“Also,” Morgan said, “many sources of cocoa, from drinks to bars to candies and more, are high in milk and sugar.”
Apparently, the study did not take into account whether the source of the cocoa was nutritious products.
A meta-analysis found no effect of cocoa on the diabetes biomarker HbA1c, although it appears to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
J. Morgan explained that a constant high level of glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels of the heart, as well as other systems of the body and cause peripheral vascular diseases.
“Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease because it increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which increases the likelihood of a heart attack,” Morgan said.
“In addition, diabetes is associated with obesity and chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease,” the doctor added.
Parengta pagal „Medical News Today“ inf.
2024-07-04 21:14:39