Previous studies have shown that chocolate can reduce blood presure, a strong risk factor for heart failure. Harvard reserachers carried out a large prospective cohort study, including more than 39,000 Swedish women, investigating if chocolate intake is linked to the risk of heart failure.
The data were obtained from a questionnaire on health and lifestyle including details about diet and chocolate intake. After 9 years follow up, the researchers found that women who ate 1 - 2 servings a week or 1 -3 servings a month had lower risk of hear failure than those who ate 3 or more servings a week. They suggest that flavenoids in chocolate may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factor.
Critics said that the study relied on participants self-reporting of their chocolate intake, it is also unclear how much chocolate was consumed in one "serving". Although this was a large study, it is felt that the evidence was not strong enough to tell if chocolate reduces the risk of heart failure. Furthermore, flavenoids in chocolate can be found in fruit and vegetables.
Source: Mostofsky E, Levitan EB, Wolk A, et al. Chocolate Intake and Incidence of Heart Failure: A Population-Based, Prospective Study of Middle-Aged and Elderly Women. Circulation: Heart failure 2010; Published online before print August 16 ( f/t via Athens)
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Can eating chocolate reduce cancer risk?
News sources reported that eating chocolate can help fight cancer. This is based on a laboratory study that investigated the chemical GECGC, a man-made antioxidants called procyanidins, which naturally occur in cocoa beans. The scientists added GECGC to 16 different types of cancer cells and found that it inhibited the growth of some cells, with the greatest effect in two types of bowel cancer cells.
Critics say this study cannot be taken as evidence that eating chocolate will reduce any type of cancer. Exercises and healthy balanced diet are the best ways to maintain good health.
Source: "Selective cytotoxicity of synthesized procyanidin 3-O-Galloylepicatechin-4b,8-3-O-galloylcatechin to human cancer cells." Cell cycle 2008; 7: 1648 – 1657
Critics say this study cannot be taken as evidence that eating chocolate will reduce any type of cancer. Exercises and healthy balanced diet are the best ways to maintain good health.
Source: "Selective cytotoxicity of synthesized procyanidin 3-O-Galloylepicatechin-4b,8-3-O-galloylcatechin to human cancer cells." Cell cycle 2008; 7: 1648 – 1657
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