Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Chocolate and Cholesterol Study


Daily consumption of a dark chocolate containing flavanols and added sterol esters affects cardiovascular risk factors in a normotensive population with elevated cholesterol.

Conclusion "Results indicate that regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and CF as part of a low-fat diet may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure."

My Comments

We need to stop saying that certain foods are "good" of "bad". Pretty anything in its natural state (no a 7-11 slurpee is not found in nature off the "slurpee tree") is good. Now certain people may have intolerances to some items (for example dairy), but that does not mean that all dairy is "bad". Dr John Berardi does a great job on this point with his Precision Nutrition system (which is what I use when working with athletes).

So real, dark chocolate is good for you in small amounts. A whole diet based on it is not good. So enjoy some dark chocolate from time to time as it is one of life's inexpensive luxuries.