University researchers conducted experiments to determine whether consuming dark chocolate on a daily basis had positive health effects. In the study, 31 test subjects were assigned to eat a daily serving (50 grams) of dark, overheated dark or white chocolate.
After the 15 day trial, the study showed that consumption of dark chocolate resulted in lower blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol and higher good cholesterol in comparison to consumption of milk or white chocolate. Researchers concluded that dark chocolate may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
They credit the higher volumes of a compound called flavanol that is found in dark chocolate for the effects.
Critics of the study warn that overconsumption of dark chocolate could cause negative health effects because of the increased daily intake of calories and saturated fat and suggest that all chocolate be consumed in moderation.
The study was presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego on April 24.
