People consuming the most chocolate had a 12% lower risk of coronary heart disease

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Monday, December 26, 2016 9:57 am Email this article

A number of studies have found that chocolate consumption appears to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The risk of coronary heart disease was 12% lower in the one-fifth of people consuming the most chocolate—0.5 ounces to 3.5 ounces (16-99 grams) per day—compared to people consuming no chocolate over an average follow-up of 11-years according to a recent analysis from researchers in the U.K.

The researchers looked at another five (5) studies and found similar results, that higher versus lower chocolate consumption was associated with a 29% lower risk of coronary heart disease.

Three (3) studies found a 45% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease (which includes both heart attack and stroke) among those who consumed the most chocolate versus the least.

Percentage with coronary heart disease

Percentage with coronary heart disease: 9.7% vs 13.8%

The percentage of participants with coronary heart disease (CHD) in the highest quintile of chocolate consumption was 9.7% versus 13.8% for those in the lowest quintile.

Subjects

Subjects: 20,951 men and women followed for 11-years

The study analyzed data from 20,951 men and women were included in EPIC-Norfolk analysis with an average follow-up 11.3 years.

Reference

Kwok CS, Boekholdt SM, Lentjes MA, Loke YK, Luben RN, Yeong JK, Wareham NJ, Myint PK, and Khaw KT. Habitual chocolate consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease among healthy men and women. Heart, 2015 Aug; 101(16): 1279-1287.

Author’s Contact Info

Dr Chun Shing Kwok
School of Medicine & Dentistry
University of Aberdeen
c/o Professor Phyo Kyaw Myint
Room 4:013, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill
Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• Chocolate (cocoa)

• Heart Disease