Healthy chocolate

[Johnny_L.A]

It’s been discussed here before, but apparently there’s a new study.

Researchers from the United Kingdom and Colombia focused on seven studies looking at the link between eating chocolate and a reduction in heart disease that included 114,009 people.

Of those seven, five showed an association between higher levels of chocolate consumption and a lowered risk of cardiometabolic illness. The highest levels were linked with a 37% drop in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke, compared to the lowest levels. There was no significant association seen between chocolate consumption and heart failure, and only one study drew a link between eating chocolate and a lowered risk of diabetes. None of the studies, including the meta-analysis, were funded by a chocolate company or a related industry.

I buy the Pound Plus Belgian 72% dark chocolate from Trader Joe’s. I get out the mallet and the cleaver, and break it up into individual squares. I reckon one square equals one serving.

Now if only I can remember to have a ‘chocolate ration’ every day. I saw the zip-top bag of squares this morning and thought, ‘Oh, yeah. I should have some of that.’ And then passed it by and had some dried fruit instead. The bag-o-choco has been sitting there for at least a month.

[Bytegeist]

Oh, chocolate. Is there anything it can’t do?

[Dread_Pirate_Jimbo]

This evidence dovetails nicely with my personal worldview. If the science says chocolate will make me healthier, then I don’t see as I have any choice but to start eating some daily. Woo-Hoo!

[howye]

@Johnny_L.A

Now if only I can remember to have a ‘chocolate ration’ every day. I saw the zip-top bag of squares this morning and thought, ‘Oh, yeah. I should have some of that.’ And then passed it by and had some dried fruit instead. The bag-o-choco has been sitting there for at least a month.

This is really not a problem I can relate too.

[Lightnin]

I’m a huge fan of cocoa nibs. I eat 'em as a snack and mixed into yogurt with granola for lunch. They can be hard to find, but a smallish bag goes a long way.

The next time I make chili I’m going to try to use cocoa nibs instead of cocoa powder.

[Chronos]

If nothing else, chocolate certainly reduces stress, and everyone knows that reducing stress is good for you.

[Johnny_L.A]

I make it a point to maintain an even strain.

Chocolate would just be icing on the cake.

[SeaDragonTattoo]

I buy the Lindt 70% chocolate bars, they have several flavors besides the plain. I will often have a breakfast of iced coffee, a banana and a square of 70% chocolate to start the day with a perky note.