What Happens to the Body, When You Eat Three Bars of Chocolate a Month?

We have to admit that we live in times of unprecedented sweet teeth. According to data published by the Mintel: Global New Products Database, the average European citizen consumes up to eight and a half kilograms of chocolate a year. Admit it, are you one of them? If the answer is yes, we have two news for you: good and bad․

At a recent conference of the European Society of Cardiology in Munich, several groups of scientists presented the results of five studies involving more than half a million people. Tests recorded – one who eats 2.5-3 bars of chocolate per month, reduces the risk of heart failure by 13% compared with those who do not eat chocolate at all. It is associated with the flavonoids found in cocoa beans. They help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and increase the level of good cholesterol. The researchers explained, “flavonoids can increase the level of nitric oxide – a gas that dilates blood vessels, helping circulation. But at the same time, the product can have a high level of saturated fat. We would say that moderate consumption of bitter (!) chocolate is good for health. ” And the word, moderate, is key here: if you exceed the stated rate – the risk of heart failure, on the contrary, increases (by 17%).

Why did we start talking about the affairs of the heart in the direct, not the love sense of the word? According to the World Health Organization, up to 18 million people die from heart failure in the world every year, which is 31% of all cases. In addition, the incorrect work of the blood vessels causes chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects almost every second office employee.

Summary: a piece of dark chocolate from time to time can benefit the body, but, as part of the daily diet, it still works to the detriment.