Eating chocolate moderately slashes risk of heart failure by 13 per cent, scientists reveal
Research found that those who ate up to three bars monthly were less likely to be affected by the deadly condition
EATING chocolate regularly is good for your heart, scientists have revealed.
They found that moderate consumption — up to three bars monthly — cut a person’s risk of heart failure by 13 per cent, compared with eating none at all.
The deadly condition affects more than 900,000 Brits, causing swollen legs and breathlessness.
There is no cure, with many sufferers eventually needing a transplant or dying young.
Researchers say natural compounds in cocoa called flavonoids boost blood vessel health and help reduce inflammation.
But they warn against having too much chocolate, with those indulging daily seeing their risk of heart failure increase by 17 per cent.
Lead researcher Dr Chayakrit Krittanawong, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, said the popular treat was healthy in small amounts.
He said: “Moderate dark chocolate consumption is good for health.
“However, chocolate may have high levels of saturated fats.
"Therefore, moderate consumption is recommended.”
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The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Munich, are based on studies involving over 575,000 individuals.
Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said cocoa had been linked to health benefits.
She added: “If you have a sweet tooth, make it an occasional small treat and go for dark chocolate with the highest cocoa content.”
Yomp for a chomp
SCOFFING sugary foods at certain times of day could make them less harmful, a study says.
Scientists found sweets are less likely to trigger obesity and diabetes if they are consumed while walking to work or during active periods.
Eating on the move burns off the calories before they can be stored as body fat.
Experts in Japan fed rats sugary foods at night, when they are most active.
They found the rodents suffered fewer issues such as type 2 diabetes than those fed the same amount round the clock.
The Nagoya University study said: “This could be very important for the fight against obesity.”
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