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Consumption of chocolate may decrease likelihood of stroke in men

Individuals who take a blood test to assess their risk of stroke may make certain lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes, in order to prevent such an event. New research from Sweden suggests that eating moderate amounts of chocolate - the equivalent of one-third of a cup of chocolate chips - every week may decrease men's risk of a stroke.

This conclusion is based on a study of more than 37,000 men aged 49 to 75, all of whom filled out questionnaires about the frequency with which they ate certain foods, including chocolate.

After about 10 years, the scientists calculated that those who ate the highest amounts of chocolate were 17 percent less likely to experience a stroke, compared to those who never consumed this food.

Furthermore, a review of five other studies indicated that the likelihood of stroke in men fell by 14 percent for every 50-gram increase of weekly chocolate consumption.

"While other studies have looked at how chocolate may help cardiovascular health, this is the first of its kind study to find that chocolate, may be beneficial for reducing stroke in men," said study author Susanna Larsson, Ph.D.

These effects may be due to substances in chocolate that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Men who undergo a blood test to measure their stroke risk should discuss any lifestyle modifications with their healthcare provider.

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