Chocolate lovers rejoice!

Now there’s another reason to enjoy chocolate – especially the real, raw and organic kind. Cocoa Flavanols, some of the active components found in dark chocolate have newly discovered benefits for cardiovascular health.

To the tantalising delight of chocolate lovers everywhere, research published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that the consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa products (like chocolate!) may reduce dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides), insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, which as you know are all major risk factors for heart disease and others.

So how much?
This is the bit you have been waiting for: 200 – 600mg of flavanol intake per day is able to improve cholesterol ratios and modify blood glucose and insulin output. There appeared to be no difference in benefit for men or women, and how it was consumed, simply that dark chocolate is the source.
So, for now, why not enjoy moderate portions of chocolate (e.g., 1 ounce/30gms) a few times per week, and don’t forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries. It may also enhance some cognitive function, as this paper that made its way into the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, identified that insulin changes related to flavanols also helped improve cognition.

At least now you should be able to remember where you hid your special bar of 75% cacao chocolate!