Good news for chocolate lovers! A recent study shows that people who eat 15 to 100 grams of chocolate a day have lower risk for heart disease and stroke. A hundred grams equals approximately two classic Hershey’s bars.

 

The study examines chocolate consumption and cardiovascular risk of over 20,000 men and women for an average of 11 years. The participants who ate no chocolate had a 42% and 74% increased risk of heart disease and stroke respectively versus their chocolate loving counterparts.

 

Of course the researchers do point out that there can always be too much of a good thing and the study participants were healthy adults. While the study shows that chocolate does not need to be avoided to protect your cardiovascular health, its consumption should be in moderation. Individuals with diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, or who are trying to lose weight should always follow the advice of their doctor when it comes to eating chocolate. To get the most benefit out of eating chocolate, look for products with the lowest amount of sugar and lowest calorie count.

 

Source: Kwok C, Boekholdt S, Lentjes M, et al. Habitual chocolate consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease among healthy men and women. Heart, 2015; 101: 1279-1287.

Chocolate Heart Disease