A heart-shaped box of chocolates has long been known as a romantic and delicious gift. But in recent years researchers have found that chocolate can be a heart-healthy gift as well. Dark chocolate and cocoa, in particular, are said to protect the heart by reducing the risk of high blood pressure. rls

A little chocolate may help your heart

Date published: 2/13/2005

GET EXCITED when I hear anything about the health benefits of chocolate. Needless to say, I practically drooled when I recently heard about chocolate that is treated to protect natural, heart-healthy chemicals.

For me, as for many people, chocolate is happy food. Not only is it luscious, sensual and romantic, it's also been shown to contain natural mood-boosting chemicals. The rich aroma of hot cocoa and the sweet smell when I unwrap a bar of dark chocolate are incredibly pleasurable.

In the last few years, research has trickled in showing that chocolate, long associated with Valentine's Day, may actually be good for the heart. Some studies show that dark chocolate and cocoa can relax blood vessels, reducing the risk of high blood pressure.

The saturated fat in chocolate is stearic acid, a special substance that has not been shown to clog arteries when eaten in moderation.

Cocoa is a rich source of magnesium, which is known to improve heart health and insulin sensitivity.

Recent studies have focused on natural antioxidant chemicals found in chocolate. These procyanidins are also found in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, blueberries, apples, cinnamon, black tea, hazelnuts, pecans, grape seeds and some supplements.

One Korean study suggested that cocoa's antioxidants are more powerful than those in green tea, black tea or red wine, but that study was in the test tube, not on human beings.

In fact, there are precious few studies of chocolate's effect on human beings. But this January, German researchers announced that flavanoid-rich cocoa drinks raised levels of healthy nitroso compounds in the blood while dilating arteries in the arms.

Still, with all the calories and sugar in most chocolate products, they can't be called health foods.

At least one candy company is hoping to change that. Mars Inc. has developed a unique method of processing cocoa to preserve its natural flavanoids. Mars' scientists have partnered with others at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of California-Davis on various projects.

The company has been testing its new cocoa drink on people. Scientists at several universities participated in a small study showing that the special cocoa is as effective as aspirin in preventing unwanted blood clots, a risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Date published: 2/13/2005