Could chocolate protect the brain from stroke?

Despite chocolate being the opposite of good for our waistlines, a recent study has found that it may be of benefit to other areas of the body – with researchers finding it may protect the brain from stroke.

The study in question was conducted on a large scale, following over 37,000 Swedish men in a bid to establish whether or not chocolate could help to improve heart health.

Those who participated in the study were questioned about their eating habits and agreed to have their health monitored for a decade.

The participants were then divided into four different groups based upon their chocolate consumption – the bottom group eating no chocolate (on average per week) and the top group eating slightly more than an average bar each week.

According to the results of the study, those eating the most chocolate were 17% less likely to have a stroke during the study than those eating the least.

Whilst the exact reasoning as to why is unknown, Professor Susanna Larsson from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, said: “The beneficial effect of chocolate consumption on stroke may be related to the flavonoids in chocolate.”

Flavonoids are antioxidants naturally found in plants, and are thought to have many protective and beneficial properties.

Whilst researchers have warned individuals against gorging on chocolate because of the high sugar and fat content, the study does suggest that consuming a modest amount could certainly be beneficial to men.

View and comment on the original BBC News article.

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Written by Emma Hilton
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Written by Emma Hilton
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