A large study on chocolate consumption suggests that chocolate might help maintain healthy arteries. Researchers analyzed data from food frequency questionnaires of 2217 subjects. Healthy arteries were assessed by rate of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries (CAC) (measured by cardiac computer tomography). Using non-eaters of chocolate as a baseline, the researchers concluded that those who ate 1-3 servings per month had a 6% reduced CAC. For 1/week chocolate eaters, a 22% reduction was observed, and consuming chocolate at least 2 times per week was associated with a 32% reduced CAC. (40)
In a study, 15 healthy adults under the age of 50 and 19 healthy adults over the age of 50 drank a specially made flavonol-rich cocoa every day for four to six days. Flavonols naturally occur in plants and possess antioxidant characteristics. Blood pressure and peripheral arterial responses were recorded. The results showed blood vessel function improved among both younger and older adults after the cocoa phase. However, improvements were more significant in the older group. (41)
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