News - Foods - Chocolate

• Chocolate linked to weaker bones
• A piece of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away
• Cocoa, but Not Tea, Lowers Blood Pressure

Chocolate linked to weaker bones
AP Food Technology.com - by: Charlotte Eyre

New research suggests that regular consumption of chocolate may weaken bone density and strength, which in turn could increase the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and fracture. According to the study, published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who eat chocolate daily have an overall bone density 3.1 per cent lower than those who consume it less than once a week.

Comment: Here is a great example of confusing science. This  study makes no attempt to classify the type of chocolate used by study participants. Since most chocolate is highly processed and contains large amounts of sugar, it's no surprise that it can contribute to weaker bones. However, many studies have shown that minimally processed dark chocolate contains many helpful plant compounds, and can be incorporated in a good diet.   
 

 A piece of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away
Heartwire - July 3, 2007, by Lisa Nainggolan

When it comes to dark chocolate and blood-pressure reduction, it would seem that a little goes a long way. A new randomized controlled study has shown that just one square of dark chocolate a day reduces blood pressure by a few mm Hg in healthy people with above-optimum blood pressure.

Cocoa, but Not Tea, Lowers Blood Pressure
Medscape Medical News, April 11, 2007, by Shelley Wood

More happy justification for chocolate lovers: blood pressure (BP) responds favorably to cocoa, but not tea, a new meta-analysis suggests. Authors of the study say that while both products are rich in polyphenols, the study findings suggest that phenols in cocoa may be more active than those in tea. The study appears in the April 9 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
 

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