For years, we’ve been reading articles that suggest chocolate has a healthy side. It seems that the evidence is growing from studies around the world…
In Japan
A Japanese study followed diets of over 84,000 healthy men and women ages 44-76 for approximately 13 years. It found that regular chocolate consumption reduced risk of stroke overall by about 10% (when adjusted for other factors that influence stroke risk).
But, the risk for stroke was reduced more in women than in men, with 16% lower risk of stroke compared to a non-significant 6% reduction in men. Researchers could not explain the reason for this difference, and recommended further research to explain their findings.
In Sweden
Another study, done in Sweden, followed 37,000 men for about 10 years. These researchers found that regular high chocolate consumption (approximately 62 grams per week) was associated with a 17% lower risk of stroke, compared to no chocolate consumption.
A “meta-analysis” combining data from 5 similar studies, also conducted in Sweden, found a 19% reduced risk of stroke between those with the highest and lowest chocolate intakes. This group also identified a 13% reduction in myocardial infarction (heart attack) in those who consumed 3 to 4 servings or more per week of chocolate.
In USA
The Physicians’ Health Study followed 20,000 men, average age 66 years, for about 9 years. Their data suggested that moderate chocolate consumption might be associated with a lower risk of heart failure, with the reduction for eating chocolate 1-3 times a week being slightly better than 5 or more times per week. Improvement with chocolate held for those with lower body weight (BMI less than 25) but not for those who were heavier.
When chocolate intake is compared to diabetes risk, I would not have expected any benefit, since chocolate is sweet and sold as candy. However, I was surprised to read that the Physicians' Health Study found the opposite: among those with a healthy weight and without a history of heart disease, intake of chocolate twice weekly or more (amount not indicated) reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 17%. They indicated that this correlation only applied in younger men of normal weight, after adjusting the numbers for lifestyle and total energy consumption. Sounds like the extra calories in the chocolate outweigh the benefits, once a person has diabetes or is overweight…
As an aside, I was astounded that many of these studies included only men… and therefore truly only apply to half the population. However, given that the first study I discussed found better results for women who consumed chocolate, it seems likely that the results of the other studies would apply to women as well.
The reductions in risk were not huge numbers but, the way I look at it, if you have a healthy lifestyle and diet, a little chocolate from time to time is a nice treat that won’t harm your health and might actually reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and even diabetes!
So, go ahead and enjoy a modest amount of chocolate 2 or 3 times a week as part of a healthy diet, and don’t feel guilty… (but better to avoid it if you have diabetes or are working to reach a healthier weight).
References: Atherosclerosis, 2017 Mar 4;260:8-12
Neurology 2012 Sep 18;79(12):1223-9
Am J Clin Nutr 2015 Feb;101(2):312-7
Eur J Heart Fail 2014 Dec;16(12):1372-6
