Can chocolate help lower cholesterol levels?
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Dr. Dean Ornish answered:Chocolate may reduce oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, thereby helping to keep it from ending up in your arteries. In addition, small amounts of dark chocolate may reduce your body’s production of substances called leukotrienes that promote inflammation. However, large amounts of chocolate may increase your cholesterol levels.
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Chocolate may reduce oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, thereby helping to keep it from ending up in your arteries. In addition, small amounts of dark chocolate may reduce your body’s production of substances... More -
RealAge answered:Chocolate is full of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help lower cholesterol. It also has oleic acid, the same type of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. To improve your cholesterol, just have a little nibble—up to 1 ounce of dark chocolate a day. And check the label to make sure your chocolate is at least 70 percent cocoa. Cocoa is the stuff with all the heart-healthy ingredients.
Chocolate is full of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help lower cholesterol. It also has oleic acid, the same type of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. To improve your cholesterol, just have a little nibble—up... More -
Joan Salge Blake of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Studies have shown that Dark chocolate can be heart healthy. Dark Chocolate is made from the cocoa beans of the Theobroma cacao fruit tree, it is rich in flavonoids, more specifically, flavanols, which are phytochemicals and antioxidants that can be heart healthy.
Antioxidants counteract oxidation, a harmful chemical reaction that takes place in your body. This protects the “bad” LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized that contributes to the hardening of the arteries and heart disease.
Keep in mind that chocolate, if you eat a lot of it, can be high in calories. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease. Hence, a little dark chocolate along with a heart healthy diet and lifestyle may be good for your heart but if you overindulge.....
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Studies have shown that Dark chocolate can be heart healthy. Dark Chocolate is made from the cocoa beans of the Theobroma cacao fruit tree, it is rich in flavonoids, more specifically, flavanols, which are phytochemicals and antioxidants... More
