No wonder everyone loves Canadians (and chocolate!).  A literature review by Canadian researchers shows that higher chocolate consumption may be associated with a lower risk of stroke.  This information will be presented in April 2010 at the American Academy of Neurology’s 62nd meeting.  

Although the studies the researchers examined were small and the type of chocolate and its flavonoid content not clearly defined, this review warrants some attention.  There has been prior research on chocolate consumption decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Flavonoids are a category of antioxidants that have been associated with lower cardiovascular risk.  Cocoa contains epicatechin, a type of flavonoid, which harbors a significant amount of antioxidant activity.   

Antioxidants such as flavonoids protect the heart in a variety of ways:

• Prevents the oxidation of LDL – a process that occurs prior to plaque formation 

• May mildly reduce blood pressure via the mechanism of arterial dilation and inproved blood flow

The Journal of Internal Medicine in September 2009, published a study stating that survivors of heart attacks who ate chocolate at least two or three times a week reduced their risk of death by a factor of up to three times compared to survivors who did not eat chocolate.  It is quite possible that this link is associated with chocolate consumption elevating serotonin levels.  Elevated serotonin levels are associated with improved mood, which has been associated with better outcome after a cardiovascular event.  Depression is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.   Can this very mood elevation prevent stroke as well?  Are elevated brain serotonin levels at least part of the cause of chocolate contributing to stroke prevention?  It is possible.

Hmmm.   Remember to evaluate the risk vs. benefit ratio of this decision.  Unless you are eating a small amount of pure dark chocolate that is not heavily sweetened, the amount of sugar in the average chocolate bar can put you at great risk for heart disease.  The link between elevated blood sugar levels and heart disease is well established.  Be careful to not fall into the trendy research trap.  If we followed the research without judiciously weighing the risks, we would be swimming in wine, hot chocolate and caffeine. Sounds great for a day or two, until the consequences hit.

Living Smarter, Living Longer,

Dr. Kroner