News just in, chocolate Easter Eggs are not as unhealthy as many people think. Although chocolate is very high in calories, due to all the sugar and fat, they are actually quite good for us.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal showed that people who consumed a moderate amount of chocolate each week had lower than average blood pressure. This lower blood pressure also meant that chocolate lovers had reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Researchers in Germany followed 19,357 people, aged between 35 and 65, for at least ten years and found that those who ate the most amount of chocolate – an average of 7.5 grams a day – had lower blood pressure and a 39% lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to those who ate the least amount of chocolate – an average of 1.7 grams a day. The difference between the two groups amounts to six grams of chocolate: the equivalent of less than one small square of a 100g bar.” Source: OxfordJournals.org
However, to remain healthy and eat chocolate you must consume a small amount which should not result in a net increase in calories each week. You need to compensate the additional calories in chocolate by reducing consumption of other sugary and fatty foods, and also by increasing your activity levels.
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Although more research needs to be carried out, the researchers believe that flavanols in cocoa may be the reason why chocolate seems to be good for people’s blood pressure and heart health; and since there is more cocoa in dark chocolate, dark chocolate may have a greater effect.
A final word of warning – the study showed that all that is required is one small square of chocolate each week. Eating more than this, and an average sized Easter Egg contains a lot more, will result in increased weight and associated problems for most people!
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Published on April 21st, 2010 and edited on April 21st, 2011.