Eating Chocolates Could Protect Your Brain from Stroke

Lisa Franchi July 24, 2013

An all-time favourite treat of many is becoming the centre of attention of many health experts. New research supports the idea that cacao – the main ingredient in chocolates, provides people with some kind of ‘defence shield’ against stroke.

Researchers at Karolinska Institute in Sweden tracked the diet of 37,000 men as well as their overall health condition for a span of 10 years. The participants were split into four groups based on the amount of chocolate consumed. The researchers found that men with the highest chocolate consumption had the least tendency to develop stroke. These findings support the idea that chocolate has an overall positive effect on heart health.

The research, which was published recently in the journal Neurology, revealed that chocolate eaters had 17 per cent less chance of suffering from stroke.

Benefits attributed to flavonoids

The Swedish study is the latest addition to the growing body of research pointing to the amazing benefits of chocolate, particularly on cardiovascular health. In 2010, a study by the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Nuthetal, Germany, which involved 19,357 people, found that individuals who eat the most chocolates (around 7.5 grams per day) had the lowest blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major predictor of stroke and heart disease.

According to the current study, the health benefits of chocolate on stroke may be linked to its flavonoid contents. "Flavonoids appear to be protective against cardiovascular disease through antioxidant, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties," said Prof. Susanna Larsson, co-author of the study. She explained that flavonoids may be contributing to the reduction of bad cholesterol levels in the blood which leads to a reduction in blood pressure.

Warning for chocolate lovers

Just because chocolate is good for the heart doesn’t mean we should over-indulge, experts warn. The study authors note that the high fat and sugar content in chocolate should also be taken into consideration and therefore, chocolates should be consumed in moderation. Prof Larsson added that even though eating chocolates may be beneficial in men, “a lot more research is needed and these results should not be used as an excuse for men to eat chocolate as an alternative to regular exercise or eating a healthy diet to reduce their risk of stroke."

It is also important to be aware of the different types of chocolates. Most varieties sold in the groceries are filled with sugar and unnecessary flavourings and additives that counter the benefits of cacao. Health experts recommend dark chocolates or those that have high cacao contents. Always check the label to see if you’re picking a healthy treat.

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Cacao found to be a ’defense shield’ against strokes