Is chocolate really good for the heart and blood vessels: what does science say?

Chocolate is an extremely popular product all over the world.

Some consider it a remedy for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, including heart diseases, while others are categorically against any sweet food.

To get to the bottom of it and find out what effect chocolate has on the cardiovascular system, it is necessary to consider in detail the 2 most important components of it - cocoa and sugar. After all, these components determine its effect on the body. In this material We will actively use links to reputable research , to confirm what has been said.

The effect of chocolate on the heart — 5 facts

If we talk about the properties of chocolate, then we should immediately make a reservation that scientists consider only bitter (black) chocolate useful. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system due to two things:

• High content of cocoa products (more than 50%) included in its composition, which in turn are saturated with polyphenols. These chemical compounds are found in cocoa beans and have a beneficial effect on cardiac functionality, which is confirmed by one large-scale study . In addition to the unique taste sensations, cocoa is able to enrich the human body with flavonoids, which are important for elasticity and vascular cleansing, and accordingly cocoa contributes to the prevention of atherosclerosis and many other diseases. Nicotinic acid, which is also part of the chemical composition of cocoa, participates in lipid metabolism and promotes the elimination of harmful cholesterol.
• Low sugar content , regarding cocoa products. Sugar has an undeniable destructive effect on the heart, and greatly increases the risk of related diseases ( proof ). The human body spends a lot of energy and calcium in order to digest sugar. With prolonged intake of sugar, the immune system suffers, and the body undergoes aging faster. For the heart, this product is also harmful because it increases blood pressure.

That's exactly the ratio of these two components – harmful sugar and useful cocoa, determine which way the pendulum of influence on the body of your chosen tile will move – positive or negative. Of course, even bitter chocolate will not help with heart pain without the participation of drug therapy. However, it has some positive properties:

1. Reduces high blood pressure ( Proof 1 , Proof 2 ), which is especially important for hypertension;
2. Has a positive effect on blood flow , which makes the work of the heart easier, that is, reduces the load on it;
3. Bitter chocolate, eaten in small quantities, reduces the risk of mortality from heart ailments ( proof );
4. The benefits extend not only to the heart, but also to the vascular system, since such food helps to eliminate harmful cholesterol;
5. Scientists have noticed that bitter chocolate, when eaten moderately, reduces the risk of hardening of blood vessels, which are the main cause of heart attacks.

Which species are most preferred?

As we defined above, only dark chocolate has a beneficial effect on the heart. It does not contain specific additives that are used in white and dairy varieties. But how harmful are other types of chocolate?

Let's figure out its varieties and draw conclusions based on this.

1. Bitter (dark). This type of chocolate is the leader in the content of useful substances called flavonoids. They remove nitric oxide from the blood and thereby improve the condition of blood flow. It serves as an antioxidant for the human body and normalizes blood pressure balance. The quality of chocolate depends on the amount of cocoa beans included in its composition.
2. White. This type of chocolate is completely useless for the body and, accordingly, for cardiovascular activity. This kind of delicacy contains a high amount of harmful fats. The combination of carbohydrates and fats can affect the heartbeat and vascular condition, as excess cholesterol appears.
3. Dairy. Milk chocolate contains the following ingredients: grated cocoa, milk powder, lecithin, cocoa butter, powdered sugar. Unlike the bitter variety, it has more sugar, which negatively affects the condition of the heart. In addition, unscrupulous manufacturers can use various harmful additives to reduce the cost of food materials or long-term storage. Since there are a lot of harmful fats in such a tile, they increase the level of bad cholesterol. The only advantage of milk chocolate is its anti-stress effect, which calms the nervous system, and therefore improves the heart rate.

Output

Having studied the composition of three types of tiles, it is safe to give preference to a bitter product. Its composition is more natural compared to other tiles. Besides, it has less sugar. The cardiovascular system needs dark chocolate with a high content of cocoa beans.

Contraindications

Not everyone can include this sweetness in their diet. For many people, it carries a risk, so you need to know when it is prohibited to use. Contraindications of chocolate include:

• With excessive consumption, excess fat may be deposited and weight gain;
• One of the components of this food can cause an allergic reaction;
• Due to excess caffeine, arrhythmia or insomnia may develop;
• A bar of low-quality chocolate affects cholesterol deposits and affects the condition of blood vessels.

10 more important products

Proper nutrition is the key to longevity and vascular health, as well as the heart. Therefore, you need to know the food that should be present on the table of a person who cares about his health. It includes:

1. Fruits for the cardiovascular system. The consumption of fruits, in the absence of allergies to them, can be carried out on a daily basis. Those with a high potassium content are particularly useful. This bananas and persimmon , strengthening the walls of blood vessels and heart muscle. Lemon and garnet improve blood flow.
2. Vegetables necessary for the heart. Vegetables such as pumpkin or pepper of all varieties , they differ in vitamins and trace elements. Onion and garlic protect blood vessels and the body from various diseases.
3. Nuts. This food strengthens the heart muscle and enriches the body with useful protein. Peanuts and walnuts are effective for the heart.
4. Dried fruits. The benefits of dried fruits are higher than those of ripe fruits. Dried apricots and raisins strengthen the heart muscle and give the body a lot of vitamins. You can also cook Amosov's heart paste and others mixtures of dried fruits and nuts .
5. Dairy products. Milk and its products are needed to give calcium to the body, as well as other substances for an active life.
6. Fish. Fish dishes are more beneficial than meat, especially for the cardiovascular system. Therefore, oily sea fish is useful, and it should be included in the diet.
7. Lard. The fat contains arachidonic acid, which supplies the "motor" with the necessary energy. Therefore, this product is useful in small quantities.
8. Turmeric. Scientists have proven that Indian seasoning improves blood pressure, strengthens the heart muscle and promotes proper blood circulation.
9. Some oils. Flaxseed and olive oil are rich in vitamins, especially the vitamin needed by the heart. They are antioxidants and help to cleanse blood vessels.
10. Drinks. Drinking tea and coffee as natural antioxidants is valuable, but in moderation. Homemade juice and red wine are good for proper blood circulation.

Also take a look at the infographic below:

Related videos

Finally watch the video below:

Conclusion

So, as we have already found out, only the bitter kind of chocolate is useful. It is he who needs to be given preference when choosing this product. You should always remember that you should not overeat, because you can get an allergic reaction. Everything needs to be done in moderation and wisely.