Chocolate This isn’t the first piece of good news for confectionary addicts; scientists have known for some time that chocolate contains plant chemicals called flavonoids which can help protect your arteries. It’s highly unlikely that GPs will be handing out prescriptions for Green & Black’s any time soon, however.
"When all is said and done, chocolate cannot be classed as a health food," says registered nutritionist Carina Norris.
"Overindulging can lead to weight gain, and it contains saturated fat, which contributes to clogged arteries. There are far healthier ways to get your flavonoids – fruit, vegetables and tea, especially green tea."
What’s more, the scientists who analysed the studies are not certain whether people who eat small amounts of chocolate regularly have a healthier lifestyle overall and that this is the cause of decreased stroke risk, rather than the chocolate itself.
So treat yourself to a square of chocolate every so often, by all means, but make sure you do it after exercise and a healthy meal.
Published on February 17, 2010