Dark Chocolate Might Ease Impact of Artery Disease - The Legacy

Lovers of dark chocolate as well as makers of chocolate likely will celebrate a new study’s results that indicate that dark chocolate might help those who suffer from artery disease.



The new study reveals that those who deal with issues related to their arteries in the legs are able to walk farther and longer if they had dark chocolate included in their diet.



The reason said researchers is that dark chocolate is loaded with polyphenols, which are able to ease peripheral artery disease impact.



The disease causes the arteries to narrow in the stomach, legs, arms and head, reducing the blood flow that can cause cramping and fatigue, as well as great pain when the sufferer walks.



The study included 6 women and 14 men between the ages of 60 and 78. The participants who consumed dark chocolate all increased their capability of walking by an average of over 11% farther and 15% longer.



The dark chocolate benefit is of possible relevance for these patients’ quality of life, said the co-author of the study an assistant professor and doctor at Sapienza University in Italy Lorenzo Loffredo, M.D.



Another author of the study said that nutrients rich in polyphenols could represent a new strategy for therapy to counteract complications that are cardiovascular.



However, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, Dr. Mark Creager warned that the study’s results were preliminary and it was still too early to recommend dark chocolate or polyphenols for cardiovascular health.



Creager added that other studies have shown that dark chocolate as well as other things containing polyphenols might improve the function of blood vessels. However, the study is too preliminary and caution must be taken when interpreting the study’s findings.



However, one doctor who was not part of the study said he found the results encouraging.



Dr. Richard Chazal an American College of Cardiology vice president said the body secretes certain chemicals that dilate blood vessels naturally in response to certain forms of stimuli, which improved blood flow to particular areas of the body.



He concluded by saying some chemicals found in dark chocolate could affect the manner in which these enzymes become metabolized inside the body.

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