Have you ever feared that eating chocolate may be bad for you? Relax, because with the right amount, it can actually benefit your heart, according to a new study.
A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Munich, Germany showed that eating chocolate moderately can lower the risk of heart failure. The findings were released on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
According to the research, compounds in cocoa called flavonoids can help reduce heart inflammation, as well as boost the health of blood vessels.
The study examined five previous studies, and 575,852 individuals were observed. It found that consuming one to three chocolate bars in a month can reduce heart failure by 23 percent. However, higher chocolate consumption can increase the chances of heart failure by 17 percent.
The study also advised that there may be a need to limit eating chocolate daily.
“Chocolate may have high levels of saturated fats,” Dr. Chayakrit Krittanawong, one of the researchers for the study told The Telegraph. “I would say moderate dark chocolate consumption is good for health.” Katrina Hallare/JB
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