Data gathered over a 9 year period for a group of over 30,000 women showed that moderate intake of chocolate (1-2 servings a week) reduced risks associated with heart failure by about one third.
In the past, randomized clinical trials have shown that chocolate intake reduces blood pressure, and observational studies have found that chocolate intake may have a positive effect in heart disease. This new study aimed to investigate the relationship between chocolate intake and heart failure.
This study involved just over 30,000 women between the ages of 48 and 83. Participants answered questions and completed questionnaires on health, lifestyle and food-frequency. Women involved in the study had no underlying diabetes or history of heart failure or heart attack. Participants were followed from January 1, 1998 to 31 December 2006, for hospitilisation or death from heart failure.
When compared to women who did not regularly consume chocolate, it was found that the chance of developing heart failure was 26% lower among those who consumed 1 to 3 servings of chocolate per month and 32% lower among those who consumed 1 to 2 servings per week. The study authors concluded that a moderate intake of chocolate was indeed associated with a reduced chance of heart failure.
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