The cardiometabolic benefits of flavonoids and dark chocolate intake in patients at risk

• Main Authors: Andra-Iulia Suceveanu, Laura Mazilu, A. Suceveanu, Irinel Parepa, Doina Catrinoiu, S. Paris, F. Voinea
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2014-02-01
• Series: ARS Medica Tomitana
• Subjects: flavonoids; dark chocolate; prevention; cardiometabolic risk
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2478/arsm-2014-0003

Scientific research proves that the cardiac and the metabolic functions are improved by the consumption of flavonoids, natural elements found in cocoa. The dark chocolate is the main alimentary compound rich in flavonoids, and for this reason it can be used to prevent some cardiometabolic disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between chocolate consumption and the cardiometabolic disorders risk in 85 patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine Unit of Emergency Hospital “St. Apostle Andrew” of Constanta. Patients were split according to the quantity of the dark chocolate consumption into 2 groups. The study groups were matched by the demographic parameters, the BMI, the physical activity and other risk factors (fats, saturated lipids, etc). We found that the daily consumption of dark chocolate, with content of cocoa > 35% according to European recommendations, had cardiometabolic benefits. The risk of coronary heart disease was reduced with 23% by the daily dark chocolate intake. The cardiovascular disease mortality and the risk of any cardiovascular disease were decreased with 19%, respectively with 38%. The risk of incident diabetes decreased with 28% after daily dark chocolate consumption, regardless the gender of patients. The number of ischemic cerebral events was reduced with 32%. In summary, the daily consumption of dark chocolate rich in flavonoids decreases the cardiometabolic disorders in patients at risk [1].