Ah, there must be women out there doing research (or at least men who love us), because we continue to see attempts to prove that chocolate is good for us! There is now another study that shows "moderate" consumption of chocolate- 1-2 servings per week- reduces your risk of heart failure.
Now, listen closely- I did NOT say that eating an extra large Snickers bar every day will enhance your heart health- sorry! The study, entitled " Study of Middle-Aged and Elderly Women Chocolate Intake and Incidence of Heart Failure: A Population-Based, Prospective " analyzed the incidence of heart failure in over 30,000 women aged 48 to 83 compared to their average intake of chocolate. The study took place in Sweden, where their delicious dark chocolate must contain at least 35% cocoa solids (vs. 15% in the USA).
We know that dark chocolate consumption in moderate amounts has been shown to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This study suggests that the benefits extend beyond blood pressure and on to consequences of high blood pressure, such as heart failure.
BOTTOM LINE: I am happy to report that there is continued evidence that having a few servings (ounces) of dark chocolate each week may not only please your tastebuds, but perhaps also your heart! Dip a luscious strawberry into some melted dark European chocolate and ENJOY!!
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