Chocolate and coronary heart disease:
Chocolate intake and coronary heart disease (CHD): Researchers studied the effects of total chocolate intake on coronary heart disease (CHD) in 4,970 men and women, ages 25 to 93 years, looking at the frequency of dark chocolate consumption and assessing for the onset of CHD. The researchers found evidence suggesting an inverse association between frequency of chocolate consumption and coronary heart disease: specifically, consumption of chocolate 1-4 times per week was associated with a 26% lower risk of CHD and consumption of chocolate more than five times a week was associated with 57% lower risk of CHD, as compared to those subjects who did not consume chocolate. Additionally, consumption of non-chocolate candy was associated with a 49% higher risk of CHD comparing 5 or more times per week vs. none per week. (8)