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Doctors in a study on chocolate noted earlier positive findings for the antioxidant polyphenols in cocoa and wanted to see how chocolate might affect life after a heart attack. Over 1,100 people hospitalized with their first heart attack self-reported their usual chocolate consumption over the previous year with a questionnaire. Eight years later, compared to those who did not eat chocolate, those who ate chocolate less than once per week were 27 percent less likely to have died from a heart attack; once per week, 44 percent less likely; and twice or more per week, 66 percent less likely. Researchers believe that cocoa supports heart health by helping to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

Reference:
Journal of Internal Medicine; 2009, Vol. 266, No. 3, 248-57.

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