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[Cacoa and dark chocolate in cardiovascular prevention?]
1Praxis für Innere Medizin, Kardiologie, Klinische Pharmakologie, Wiesbaden.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|December 16, 2011
Summary
Cocoa flavanols, found in dark chocolate, show promise for cardiovascular prevention by improving blood pressure and reducing heart attack risk. Moderate daily consumption may benefit heart health, but more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Cocoa consumption is linked to improved cardiovascular surrogate parameters.
- Key bioactive compounds in cocoa include flavanols like catechin and epicatechin.
- These flavanols are potent antioxidants with potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose:
- To review the evidence for cocoa consumption in cardiovascular disease prevention.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying cocoa's cardioprotective effects.
- To provide recommendations for moderate cocoa intake in dietary strategies.
Summary:
- Cocoa flavanol intake positively influences arterial vasodilatation, blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and lipid/glucose metabolism.
- Increased endothelial nitric oxide production is a primary mechanism for these effects.
- Animal and human studies suggest reduced myocardial infarction and mortality risk with regular cocoa consumption.
Impact:
- Moderate intake of flavanol-rich dark chocolate (approx. 25g/day) may be recommended for cardiovascular prevention.
- Potential risks like weight gain and cadmium intake are minimal at recommended doses.
- Further controlled trials with defined clinical endpoints are necessary to confirm these cardioprotective effects.
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