Compounds found in cocoa known as flavanols have long been linked to better blood vessel function, particularly in people with heart disease risk factors or existing conditions. But what about healthy individuals with no apparent cardiovascular issues? A key study from the Flaviola Health Study set out to answer this question by examining the effects of regular cocoa flavanol intake in […]
Precise reason for health benefits of dark chocolate: Thank hungry gut microbes
The health benefits of eating dark chocolate have been extolled for centuries, but the exact reason has remained a mystery — until now. Researchers have just reported that certain bacteria in the stomach gobble the chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds that are good for the heart. Their findings were unveiled at the 247th […]
Eating dark chocolate as a daily snack could help boost athletic performance
Dark chocolate has already been hailed for its positive effects on cardiovascular health — and now a study undertaken at London’s Kingston University has found the tasty treat could help give sports enthusiasts an extra edge in their fitness training. A team led by postgraduate research student Rishikesh Kankesh Patel discovered that dark chocolate provides […]
The precise reason for the health benefits of dark chocolate: mystery solved
The health benefits of eating dark chocolate have been extolled for centuries, but the exact reason has remained a mystery — until now. Researchers reported here today that certain bacteria in the stomach gobble the chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds that are good for the heart. Their findings were unveiled at the 247th National Meeting […]