Article

The Effects of Cocoa on Heart Health

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate and cocoa have superior antioxidant properties as well as other properties that benefit the heart and health in general. In this study, following the intake of cocoa, study participants showed an improvement in insulin resistance due to significant reductions in serum insulin. Researchers also observed reductions in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. Epicatechin/d (a flavonol) resulted in greater effects on systolic and diastolic BP. Researchers concluded there was a consistent acute and chronic benefit of chocolate or cocoa intake on blood flow and previously unreported promising effects on insulin.

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition